antisialagogic
|an-ti-si-a-la-gog-ic|
/ˌæn.ti.saɪ.əˈlæɡ.ɪk/
against saliva production
Etymology
'antisialagogic' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (meaning 'against') plus 'sialagogic' (relating to promoting saliva), coming into English via Neo-Latin/medical formation.
'sialagogic' traces back to Greek 'sialon' (σῑάλον) meaning 'saliva' and 'agein' (ἀγεῖν) meaning 'to lead' or 'bring', which entered medical Latin/Neo-Latin and then English as 'sialagogue'/'sialagogic'; the prefix 'anti-' was later added in modern medical English to form 'antisialagogic'.
Originally related terms meant 'to promote or bring forth saliva'; with the addition of the prefix 'anti-' the meaning became 'against/promoting the opposite effect' — i.e., inhibiting salivation in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or agent that inhibits salivation.
An antisialagogic was administered to reduce excessive drooling after the surgery.
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Adjective 1
preventing or inhibiting the production of saliva; causing dryness of the mouth.
The medication produced an antisialagogic effect, leaving the patient with a dry mouth.
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Last updated: 2025/11/22 08:56