submaxillary salivary gland
- noun
- /sʌbˈmæksɪˌlɛri səˈlaɪvəri ɡlænd/
- Specialized
- The submaxillary salivary gland is responsible for producing much of the saliva when you sleep.
Examples
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Swelling of the submaxillary salivary gland can indicate an underlying infection.
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During surgery, extreme care must be taken not to damage the submaxillary salivary gland.
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The submaxillary salivary gland plays a crucial role in digestion.
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Many people are unaware of the submaxillary salivary glands in their bodies.
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During surgery, extreme care must be taken not to damage the submaxillary salivary gland.
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Swelling of the submaxillary salivary gland can indicate an underlying infection.
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The submaxillary salivary gland is responsible for producing much of the saliva when you sleep.
Synonyms
3
4.0
A small organ in the mouth that makes saliva to help break down food
1
7.5
A gland inside the lower jaw that makes saliva under the tongue
1
6.5
One of two glands beneath the lower jaw that make saliva, often at night
A gland under the lower jaw that makes saliva
A gland under the lower jaw that makes saliva and releases it under the tongue, often at night
A gland under the lower jaw that makes saliva
Surface Forms
Morphology
submaxillary + salivary + gland
The phrase is fully compositional: 'submaxillary' denotes 'under the (maxillary) jaw', 'salivary' relates to saliva production, and 'gland' is an organ — together they literally describe a gland beneath the jaw that produces saliva. Although technical, the meaning follows standard morphological/medical naming patterns (prefix + descriptor + noun), so a learner who knows the constituent elements can derive the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Submaxillary salivary gland gets its name from a simple description: submaxillary means 'under the jaw' and salivary gland is a gland that makes 'saliva'. It sits below the lower jaw and pours saliva into the mouth, so the name tells where it is and what it does.