Spittle

/ˈspɪtəl/ noun

Definition

Saliva or spit, especially when it comes out of the mouth.

Etymology

From Old English spætan meaning 'to spit,' with the diminutive suffix -le added. The word is related to German 'speien' and Dutch 'spuiten,' all coming from a Germanic root meaning to eject from the mouth.

Kelly Says

Spittle isn't just gross—some insects like spittlebugs create foam from their spittle to hide from predators, and ancient cultures thought spitting had magical powers.

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