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Salivated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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salivated

[səˈlaɪ.veɪ.tɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical response

Salivated is the past tense of salivate, which means to produce saliva in response to the thought, sight, or smell of food. This involuntary reaction can also occur in response to various stimuli beyond just food, including anticipation and certain emotions.

Synonyms

drooled, slavered.

Examples of usage

  • The dog salivated when it saw the treat.
  • She salivated at the thought of her favorite dish.
  • He salivated during the cooking show.
  • The smell of cookies made him salivate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Saliva not only helps with digestion by breaking down food but also plays a vital role in oral health by protecting teeth from decay.
  • The average human produces about 1 to 2 liters of saliva each day, showcasing the importance of this fluid in daily life.
  • Certain taste stimuli, like sour or savory flavors, can trigger more saliva production, which is why your mouth may water when you think about it.

Psychology

  • Anticipating a meal can cause a learned response, where just thinking of food leads to salivation, illustrating the mind-body connection.
  • Certain aromas or visuals of food can elicit immediate physiological reactions, highlighting how the brain influences bodily responses.
  • Salivation can be tied closely to emotional states; images of comforting food may increase saliva production through nostalgia.

Culinary Arts

  • Chefs often utilize the understanding of salivation to enhance dining experiences, designing dishes that visually and aromatically stimulate appetites.
  • Certain cuisines, such as those using citrus or spices, focus on flavor combinations that maximize salivation, making dishes more appealing.
  • Food presentation can play a significant role in eliciting saliva production, as vibrant colors and creative displays can heighten excitement.

Cultural References

  • In literature and cinema, characters salivating at the sight of food often symbolize desire or longing, enhancing storytelling dynamics.
  • Cultural traditions may include specific foods that evoke memories of childhood and family, causing people to salivate from nostalgia.
  • Humorous depictions of characters drooling at food are common in cartoons, portraying a whimsical exaggeration of salivation.

Origin of 'salivated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'salivare', which means 'to wet', highlighting its connection to saliva.
  • In various languages, the roots related to the idea of 'wetness' or 'moisture' often lead back to the same biological functions.
  • Different cultures have unique descriptive phrases for salivation, often connecting it to anticipation of delicious food.

The word 'salivated' comes from the Latin word 'salivare', meaning 'to salt or to moisten'. It entered the English language in the early 19th century, evolving from the concept of producing saliva as a response to various stimuli. Over time, the term has expanded beyond just the physical act of producing saliva to express a strong desire or craving for food or other pleasurable experiences. The modern usage of 'salivated' frequently suggests a strong, almost instinctual reaction to the sensory allure of food, making it a vivid descriptor in both literal and figurative contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,691, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.