Word
salivary
Phoneticssali·vary
UK/sˈælɪvəɹi/
Definition
adj. connected with saliva, the wet liquid in your mouth that helps you chew and swallow food.
adj. relating to saliva or to the glands and ducts that produce and carry it into the mouth.
Examples
“Salivary glands make saliva to help you digest food.”
“The dentist explained that salivary flow protects teeth by washing away food and bacteria.”
“Prolonged stress can reduce salivary output, leaving the mouth dry and increasing vulnerability to cavities and oral infections over time.”
Examples
simple
“Salivary glands make saliva to help you digest food.”
contextual
“The dentist explained that salivary flow protects teeth by washing away food and bacteria.”
complex
“Prolonged stress can reduce salivary output, leaving the mouth dry and increasing vulnerability to cavities and oral infections over time.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “salivary” in context.
Adjective
01. salivary duct
“A small stone blocking a salivary duct can cause pain while eating.”
adj + noun
02. salivary gland
“An infection in a salivary gland can cause painful swelling in the cheek.”
adj + noun
03. salivary secretion
“Stress and dehydration can significantly reduce salivary secretion.”
adj + noun
Noun
04. salivary cortisol
“Doctors measured salivary cortisol to assess the patient's stress levels.”
adj + noun
05. salivary flow
“Chewing stimulates salivary flow, which helps protect tooth enamel.”
adj + noun
06. salivary function
“Radiation therapy for throat cancer can impair salivary function.”
adj + noun
07. salivary sample
“Volunteers were asked to provide a salivary sample for testing.”
adj + noun
08. block a salivary duct
“A tiny stone can block a salivary duct and cause swelling.”
09. collect a salivary sample
“The nurse collected a salivary sample to test for infection.”
10. impaired salivary function
“Elderly patients often experience impaired salivary function and dry mouth.”
11. measure salivary cortisol levels
“Scientists measure salivary cortisol levels to study chronic stress.”
12. remove a salivary gland
“Surgeons had to remove a salivary gland because of a benign tumour.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies, as in 'salivary gland' or 'salivary flow'.
Real-World Examples
“This outbreak of mumps, an extremely infectious virus known for causing painful inflammation of the salivary glands, coincides with a larger measles epidemic that has sickened over 100 people in California and affected more than a dozen individuals across 19 additional U.S. states and Mexico since December.” “They monitored the kissing behaviour of 21 couples and found those who kissed nine times a day were most likely to share salivary bugs.” Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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