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saliva

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saliva

Main Entry:: sa·li·va
Pronunciation:: \sə-ˈlī-və\
Function:: 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

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