salivate

[ sal-uh-veyt ]

verb (used without object)

, sal·i·vat·ed, sal·i·vat·ing.

1. to produce saliva.

verb (used with object)

, sal·i·vat·ed, sal·i·vat·ing.

1. to produce an excessive secretion of saliva in, as by mercurial poisoning.

salivate

/ ˈsælɪˌveɪt /

verb

1. intr to secrete saliva, esp an excessive amount
2. tr to cause (a laboratory animal, etc) to produce saliva, as by the administration of mercury

Derived Forms

• ˌsaliˈvation, noun

Other Words From

• un·sali·vated adjective
• un·sali·vating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of salivate¹

1650–60; < Latin salīvātus (past participle of salīvāre to cause to salivate); saliva, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Now she is salivating again at the prospect of him becoming leader.

From BBC

Two unbeaten champions with differing but equally effective styles produced a match-up of the highest level in a fight to make the boxing purist salivate.

From BBC

It is easy to call “The Substance” superficial in its depiction of women’s quests for youth and beauty as well as men’s salivating responses to that.

From Salon

The prospect of him following one-time mentor Pep Guardiola to the Premier League is surely a salivating one for footballing purists.

From BBC

The New York Times editorial board was downright salivating over what they saw as Biden's carcass.

From Salon

Related Words

• froth