Word
saliva
Phoneticssali·va
US/səˈɫaɪvə/
UK/sɐlˈaɪvɐ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the clear liquid that your mouth makes to keep it wet and help you eat.
n. the clear, slightly alkaline liquid secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, consisting of water, mucin, and enzymes.
Examples
“The smell of fresh bread made his mouth fill with saliva.”
“The doctor took a sample of her saliva to test for certain hormones and health markers.”
“In many mammals, saliva contains specific enzymes like amylase that begin the chemical breakdown of food before it even reaches the stomach.”
Examples
simple
“The smell of fresh bread made his mouth fill with saliva.”
contextual
“The doctor took a sample of her saliva to test for certain hormones and health markers.”
complex
“In many mammals, saliva contains specific enzymes like amylase that begin the chemical breakdown of food before it even reaches the stomach.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the substance generally; countable in specific medical or forensic contexts.
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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