This neuter noun refers to saliva or spit, the bodily fluid produced in the mouth. In classical contexts it could also refer to serpent venom, but the New Testament usage is straightforward anatomical. John employs this term in the account of Jesus healing the blind man by making mud from his saliva and applying it to the man's eyes. The multilingual glosses are direct: Spanish 'saliva', French 'crachat' (spit), German 'Speichel' (saliva), all referring to this bodily secretion. Jesus' use of spittle in healing was a recognized ancient therapeutic practice.