Word Study
salivate
CIDE DICTIONARY
salivate, v. t. [L. salivatus, p. p. of salivare to salivate. See Saliva.].
To produce an abnormal flow of saliva in; to produce salivation or ptyalism in, as by the use of mercury. [1913 Webster]
"Probably influenced by the experiments of Pavlov, who trained dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell, by previously ringing the bell immediately prior to feeding them." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
salivate, v.
1 intr. secrete or discharge saliva esp. in excess or in greedy anticipation.
2 tr. produce an unusual secretion of saliva in (a person) usu. with mercury.
1 intr. secrete or discharge saliva esp. in excess or in greedy anticipation.
2 tr. produce an unusual secretion of saliva in (a person) usu. with mercury.
Derivative
salivation n.
Etymology
L salivare (as SALIVA)
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