Ptyalism. I could just spit!
I admit it… there’s not much point in hiding it anymore, so I’ll just say it.
Fracas is a geek.
A while back I posted the definitions for a couple of wacky words made popular by Jennifer Aniston’s character in the move Love Happens, and that post is still getting attention. For a gal who loves her words, that’s as good as a big ole dish of real chocolate mousse (and the words won’t go to my hips either).
Today, some very interested folks out there in that (albeit invisible) mesh of peoples’ thoughts and musings called the interweave, have been wondering what the definition of the word ptyalism is.
Since your need to know also means I get to do two of my favorite things (learning something new and helping someone else…) I’m more than happy to help! Merriam Webster offered this:
Main Entry: pty·a·lismPronunciation: \-ˌli-zəm\Function: nounEtymology: New Latin ptyalismus, from Greek ptyalismos, from ptyalizein to salivate, from ptyalonDate: 1676: an excessive flow of saliva
Additionally, I located this, which makes more clear, that it is a medical condition which is sometimes benign and not to worry about, other times can have serious causes requiring attention.
ptyalism
[tī′əliz′əm]
Etymology: Gk, <em>ptyalon,</em> spittle
Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. © 2009, Elsevier.excessive salivation, such as sometimes occurs in the early months of pregnancy. It is also a clinical sign of mercury poisoning. Also called hyperptyalism. See also sialorrhea.
Should you have just learned that you might be suffering from ptyalism, please check with your family physician. For those of us who are just geeks… I hope this is what you’re looking for, and now that you, too, know a new word, we can both feel like we just had a big ole dish of real chocolate mousse.
Are you salivating yet?
You Laid An Egg