[suh-lahy-vuh] 
| a viscid, watery fluid, secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands, that functions in the tasting, chewing, and swallowing of food, moistens the mouth, and starts the digestion of starches. |
[sal-uh-ver-ee] , adjective | sal·i·var·y (sāl'ə-věr'ē) adj.
|
The fluid produced by the secretions of the salivary glands. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion of starches. It also moistens the mouth tissues and makes food easier to chew and swallow.
saliva sa·li·va (sə-lī'və)
n.
The watery mixture of secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricates chewed food, moistens the oral walls, and contains ptyalin.
salivary sal·i·var·y (sāl'ə-věr'ē)
adj.
Of, relating to, or producing saliva.
Of or relating to a salivary gland.
