sialagogue
|si-a-la-gogue|
/ˌsaɪəˈlæɡəɡ/
stimulates saliva
Etymology
'sialagogue' originates from Greek elements via New Latin/medical formation: Greek 'sialon' meaning 'saliva' + Greek 'agogos' meaning 'leading' or 'bringing forth'.
'sialagogue' was formed in medical English in the 18th–19th centuries from the combining form 'sialo-' (from Greek 'sialon') and the suffix '-agogue' (from Greek 'agogos'); variant spellings such as 'sialogogue' and related terms like 'ptyalagogue' also appeared in medical literature.
Initially it denoted an agent that 'brings forth saliva' and it has retained this specialised meaning in medical and pharmacological contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an agent or substance that stimulates the secretion or flow of saliva; a salivator.
Lemon drops are often used as a sialagogue to relieve dry mouth.
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Adjective 1
causing or promoting the secretion of saliva (used attributively or descriptively).
The dentist noted the sialagogue properties of the lozenge during the exam.
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Last updated: 2025/11/22 08:12