spittle

American  

[spit-l] / ˈspɪt l /

noun

1. saliva; spit.

2. Entomology. the frothy secretion exuded by spittlebugs.

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spittle British  

/ ˈspɪtəl /

noun

1. the fluid secreted in the mouth; saliva or spit

2. Also called: cuckoo spit.   frog spit.  the frothy substance secreted on plants by the larvae of certain froghoppers

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Etymology

Origin of spittle

1470–80; blend of Middle English spit (noun) ( spit ¹ ) and spetil, Old English spǣtl, variant of spātl saliva

Example Sentences

Conspiracies and spittle drive politics today nationwide, sadly.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the spittle of rain droplets, she clasped her hands in front of her chest and said a prayer to George Floyd.

From New York Times

The “foam” around Floyd’s mouth was probably spittle, they said, and “hooping” was a reference to playing basketball, which Floyd often did.

From Washington Post

There’s no use in being a berserker whose most potent weapon is spittle.

From Los Angeles Times

Referees had their whistles retrofitted with bags to catch drops of spittle.

From Los Angeles Times