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Glite Dictionary
to ptyalize

to ptyalize

9.9
To spit out saliva or phlegm
  • verb
  • /ˈtaɪəˌlaɪz/
  • Archaic
translation icon : escupir
  • The dentist asked the patient not to ptyalize during the procedure.

Examples

  • He ptyalized after eating the sour candy.

  • The doctor instructed her to ptyalize into a cup.

  • Certain animals ptyalize as a defense mechanism when threatened.

  • When irritated by the medication, some patients may ptyalize more frequently.

  • Some animals ptyalize to remove excess saliva when feeling nervous.

  • During the allergy test, he had to ptyalize into the cup frequently.

  • When chewing the mint, she began to ptyalize more than usual.

Synonyms

to spit
vsto ptyalize
315 1.0

To force liquid out of the mouth, often onto the ground

describes expulsion more neutrally without the quick aggressive tone
to spit out
vsto ptyalize
94 2.3

To push food or drink out of your mouth

is specific to saliva, phlegm, or sputum rather than any object
to spew
vsto ptyalize
  • Informal
1 6.5

To spit out saliva, phlegm, or mucus from your mouth

is the same action but without strong emphasis on force
to spue
vsto ptyalize
  • NSFW
1 9.9

To force something out of the mouth, like saliva or vomit

means expulsion but also includes vomiting, so it is broader

How Forceful

to spit
315 1.0
to expectorate
  • Specialized
1 9.9
to ptyalize
  • Archaic
9.9

Surface Forms

ptyalize infinitive
ptyalized past
ptyalized past participle
ptyalizing present participle
ptyalizes third person singular

Morphology

ptyalize = ptyal + ize

The root 'ptyal' is a Greek combining form not a standalone English word, so learners cannot derive the meaning from the components even though '-ize' is a productive verb-forming suffix.

Etymology

Ptyalize comes from the Greek root ptyal- meaning 'saliva'. So to ptyalize is to make or spit out saliva, like when you 'spit' or have extra 'saliva' in your mouth.