SALIVA


Meaning of SALIVA in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ sə-ˈlī-və ]

noun

Etymology: Latin

Date: 15th century

: a slightly alkaline secretion of water, mucin, protein, salts, and often a starch-splitting enzyme (as ptyalin) that is secreted into the mouth by salivary glands, lubricates ingested food, and often begins the breakdown of starches

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.