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Salivating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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salivating

[səˈlɪveɪtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical reaction

Salivating refers to the act of producing saliva in the mouth. This reaction is often triggered by the sight, smell, or thought of food. It plays a crucial role in the digestive process, as saliva contains enzymes that begin breaking down food before it is swallowed. While salivating is a normal physiological response, excessive salivation can occur in some medical conditions or can be a result of the anticipation of eating.

Synonyms

drooling, salivate, slobbering.

Examples of usage

  • The aroma of the bakery had everyone salivating.
  • He was salivating at the thought of his favorite dish.
  • The dog began salivating when it saw the treat.
  • After the long hike, I found myself salivating as we approached the restaurant.

Translations

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

Origin of 'salivating'

The word 'salivating' originates from the Latin term 'saliva', which means 'spit' or 'saliva'. The root 'saliv-' is also reflected in related words in several Romance languages, such as 'salive' in French and 'saliva' in Spanish and Italian. The verb form 'salivate' appeared in English in the early 19th century, deriving from the Latin 'salivare', which means 'to produce saliva'. Salivation is a natural response governed by the nervous system, functioning as an essential process during eating, but it can also occur in reaction to non-food stimuli, indicating its fundamental role in human experience. The association of salivation with food anticipation illustrates the interplay between sensory inputs and physiological responses in the body.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,060, 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.