Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
salivary gland

salivary gland

3 4.0
A small organ in the mouth that makes saliva to help break down food
  • noun
  • /ˈsælɪˌvɛri ɡlænd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glándula salival
  • During the procedure, the doctor examined the patient's salivary glands for any signs of infection.
  • minor salivary glands
  • salivary gland biopsy
  • salivary gland tumor

Examples

  • Adults and children with salivary gland enlargement seem to experience slower progression of HIV disease.

    Academic text (2000)

  • At this point, the sublingual salivary gland was recognized and appeared normal.

    Academic text (2008)

  • In order to fuel their specialized salivary glands, the males must eat well.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Approximately 50 to 70% of reported cases occur in the minor salivary glands.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Human beings have four kinds of salivary glands, including the three kinds common to other mammals.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The paranasal sinus is the most common site of minor salivary gland involvement.

    Academic text (2002)

  • Most NECs occurring in the head and neck arise from the larynx or the salivary glands.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The management of both benign and malignant salivary gland masses requires surgical excision.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The salivary glands produce saliva, which helps break down food in the mouth.

  • The salivary glands are essential for digestion as they secrete enzymes that initiate the digestive process.

Surface Forms

salivary gland singular
salivary glands plural

Morphology

salivary + gland

The meaning 'a gland that produces saliva' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'salivary' (connected to saliva production) with 'gland' (an organ that releases fluids). This adjective+noun compositional pattern is common in English and cross-linguistically so, making the MWE immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Salivary gland comes from the words saliva, the wet 'spit' in your mouth, and gland, a small part of the body that makes and gives out a liquid. So a salivary gland is literally a small part that produces saliva to help you eat, swallow, and start digestion.