adjective

salivary

SAL-uh-vair-ee/ˈsæləveri/

Relating to saliva or the glands that produce it.

Your salivary glands release fluid that helps you swallow food.

A close anatomical cutaway of the lower face shows a salivary gland and its continuous duct opening into the mouth, with a small bead of clear saliva at the outlet.

Etymology

The pieces mean “relating to spittle.” The adjective first described things secreting or containing saliva, then broadened to anything pertaining to this mouth fluid.

In context

Nuttall's Biology7:25

it's being mixed with saliva that's produced from the salivary glands and that saliva contains some digestive enzymes

Digestive System Part 1

More examples

Chewing sugar-free gum increases salivary flow.
Salivary enzymes begin breaking down starch in your mouth.
A blocked salivary duct can cause painful swelling.

Forms

saliva noun — Watery fluid in the mouth that moistens food.

salivate verb — To produce or release saliva.