sputum

[ spyoo-tuhm ]

noun

, plural spu·ta [spyoo, -t, uh].

1. matter, as saliva mixed with mucus or pus, expectorated from the lungs and respiratory passages.

sputum

/ ˈspjuːtəm /

noun

1. a mass of salivary matter ejected from the mouth
2. saliva ejected from the mouth mixed with mucus or pus exuded from the respiratory passages, as in bronchitis or bronchiectasis

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputum¹

1685–95; < Latin spūtum, noun use of neuter of spūtus, past participle of spuere to spit, equivalent to spū- variant stem + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputum¹

C17: from Latin: spittle, from spuere to spit out

Example Sentences

Invented in 1983, PCR is a multi-step test to detect infectious agents, including viruses in humans, using a sample of sputum or other genetic material.

From Washington Post

Third, the virus could not be found in sputum, further supporting the clear observation that airborne spread does not occur.

From The Daily Beast

It, or a similar bacillus, is sometimes found in the sputum of gangrene of the lung.

From Project Gutenberg

It is to be remembered, however, that a few of these bacteria may reach the sputum from the upper air-passages.

From Project Gutenberg

It is sometimes met with in the sputum of catarrhal pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.

From Project Gutenberg

Diplococci without capsules are common in the sputum, but have no special significance.

From Project Gutenberg

It is especially useful with cultures upon serum media, but is applicable also to the sputum.

From Project Gutenberg