ptyalism

[ tahy-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. excessive secretion of saliva.

ptyalism

/ ˈtaɪəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. excessive secretion of saliva

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptyalism¹

1675–85; < Greek ptyalismós expectoration, equivalent to ptýal ( on ) spittle + -ismos -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of ptyalism¹

C17: from Greek ptualismos, from ptualizein to produce saliva, from ptualon saliva

Example Sentences

For instance, amongst many others, he found in the publications of Beddoes, Scott, Blair, and various writers, that nitric acid, which was known to produce ptyalism, relieved salivation and ulceration in the mouth.

From Project Gutenberg

The neuralgia was probably caused partly by excessive ptyalism, partly by over brain-work.

From Project Gutenberg

Still uneasy about ptyalism, he gave her cream of tartar all day, but at night it was thrown up as before, without moving the bowels.

From Project Gutenberg

Drastic purgatives, ... the shower bath, large and frequent doses of tartarized antimony, and mercury to the extent of producing ptyalism, were the most popular remedial agents in the treatment of insanity.

From Project Gutenberg

When I resorted to it, I generally did so in doses sufficient to ensure a purgative effect, and never with a view of exciting ptyalism.

From Project Gutenberg