spittle

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a clear liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth; moistens the mouth and starts the digestion of starches

Alteration of dialectal spattle (by association with spit (noun)), from Old English spātl, which is related to spǣtan (whence spit (verb)).

THE ODD SPITTLE INSECT Why, little Nell! — The Insect Folk, Morley, Margaret Warner
Mawkish pulp her mouth had mumbled sweetsour of her spittle. — Ulysses, James Joyce
Nobody inside; but just the spittle in fits of laughter! — The Grey Fairy Book, Unknown

saliva, spit

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