Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SA-LI'VA, n. [L. saliva; Ir. seile; W. haliw, as if connected with hâl, salt. The Irish has silim, to drop or distill, and sileadh, saliva.]

The fluid which is secreted by the salivary glands, and which serves to moisten the mouth and tongue. It moistens our food also, and by being mixed with it in mastication, favors deglutition. When discharged from the mouth, it is called spittle.