the secretion of salivary glands, consisting of a clear usually slightly acid aqueous fluid of variable composition. It moistens the oral cavity, prepares food for swallowing, and initiates the process of digestion
▶ Related adjective: sialoid
Derived forms
salivary (səˈlaɪvərɪ, ˈsælɪvərɪ) or salival (səˈlaɪvəl)