![](http://www.dwmfasthealth.com/images1/shim.gif)
sa·li·va
n : 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 .
![](http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/glyph/s.gif) ![](http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/glyph/schwa.gif) ![](http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/glyph/dash.gif) ![](http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/glyph/hstres.gif) ![](http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/glyph/l.gif) ![](http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/glyph/imacr.gif) ![](http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/glyph/dash.gif) ![](http://www.fasthealth.com/dictionary/glyph/v.gif)
Similar sounding terms: salve sal·via self slough
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. © 1997-2024.
|
![](http://www.dwmfasthealth.com/images1/shim.gif) |
![](http://www.dwmfasthealth.com/images1/shim.gif)
![](http://pictures.fasthealth.com/fh/120x45/mentalhlth.gif)
![](http://www.dwmfasthealth.com/pimages/h_dwmmh_al120x90.gif)
![](http://www.fasthealth.com/pimages/fhai120x90.gif) |