sal·i·vate [ sállə vàyt ](past and past participlesal·i·vat·ed, present participlesal·i·vat·ing, 3rd person present singularsal·i·vates)
verb
Definition:
1. intransitive verb produce saliva: to produce saliva in the mouth, especially at an increased rate, e.g. when food is seen, smelled, or expected
2. transitive verb cause animal to drool: to cause an animal in an experiment to produce large amounts of saliva
3. intransitive verb long for something: to feel or show an immense desire for or appreciation of something
(
informal
)
I'm practically salivating over that set of golf clubs in the shop window.
[Mid-17th century. Back-formation < salivation< Latin salivation-< past participle of salivare "salivate" < saliva "saliva"]
