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Salivate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To salivate means to produce saliva in the mouth, often in response to the sight, smell, or thought of food. It can also describe eager anticipation.

salivate

/ˈsæləveɪt/ /ˈsælɪveɪt/

Definition:

To produce saliva, often in response to food or anticipation.

Synonyms:

drool, slobber, dribble

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

dry up, dehydrate

Common Collocations:

mouth waters, salivate over, salivate at the thought

Derivatives:

salivation, salivatory

Usage Tips:

Use "salivate" to describe excessive saliva production, often due to hunger or desire for something appealing.

Common Phrases:

make one's mouth water, drool over, lick one's lips

Etymology:

From Latin "salivare," meaning "to produce saliva," derived from "saliva."

Examples:

  • 1. The delicious aroma made him salivate instantly.
  • 2. Pavlov's dogs learned to salivate at the sound of a bell.
  • 3. She couldn't help but salivate over the chocolate cake display.
  • 4. The spicy smell caused everyone to salivate before dinner.

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