'ptyalism' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'ptyalismus', where 'ptyal-' meant 'saliva' (ultimately from Greek 'ptyein' meaning 'to spit').

'ptyalism' was taken into English from New Latin 'ptyalismus', which derives from Greek 'ptyalon'/'ptyein'; it entered English usage in the 19th century as a medical term meaning excessive salivation.

Initially it meant 'a condition of excessive salivation', and over time it has retained this medical meaning of 'excessive salivation'.