sialagogic
|si-a-la-go-gic|
/ˌsaɪəˈlæɡədɪk/
causes saliva/stimulates saliva flow
Etymology
'sialagogic' originates from Greek via New Latin, specifically from Greek 'sialon' meaning 'saliva' and 'agogos' meaning 'leading' (through New Latin 'sialagogicus').
'sialagogic' developed from New Latin 'sialagogicus' (used in medical Latin), then entered English as 'sialagogue' (noun) and the adjectival form 'sialagogic'.
Initially it carried the literal sense 'leading forth saliva,' and over time it came to be used in modern medical/clinical contexts to mean 'causing or promoting saliva secretion.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
causing or promoting the secretion or flow of saliva (used especially of agents or substances).
The physician prescribed a sialagogic syrup to help relieve the patient's dry mouth.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/22 09:07