| any of several glands, as the submaxillary glands, that secrete saliva. |

| salivary gland n. A gland that secretes saliva, especially any of three pairs of large glands, the parotid, submaxillary, and sublingual, whose secretions enter the mouth and mingle in saliva. |
salivary gland n.
A exocrine gland that secretes saliva, especially any of major salivary glands or minor salivary glands.
| salivary gland (sāl'ə-věr'ē) Pronunciation Key
A gland in terrestrial animals that secretes saliva. In humans, three pairs of large glands, which include the parotid glands, secrete saliva into the mouth. |