spittle
spittle
n.
saliva, spit
Saliva
Saliva is a watery substance located in the mouths of animals, secreted by the
salivary glands. Human saliva is 99.5%
water, while the other 0.5 onsists of
electrolytes,
mucus,
glycoproteins,
enzymes,
antibacterial, and bacteria compounds such as secretory
IgA and
lysozyme. The enzymes found in saliva are essential in beginning the process of digestion of dietary starches and fats. These enzymes also play a role in breaking down food particles entrapped within dental crevices, protecting teeth from bacterial decay. Furthermore, saliva serves a lubricative function, wetting food and permitting the initiation of swallowing, and protecting the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity from
desiccation.
spittle
Noun
1. a clear liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth; moistens the mouth and starts the digestion of starches
(synonym) saliva, spit
(hypernym) secretion
(hyponym) drool, dribble, drivel, slobber
(part-holonym) salivary gland
(substance-meronym) ptyalin
Spittle
(v. t.)
To dig or stir with a small spade.
(n.)
The thick, moist matter which is secreted by the salivary glands; saliva; spit.
(n.)
See Spital.
(n.)
A small sort of spade.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter.
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