sputtering

American  

[spuht-er-ing] / ˈspʌt ər ɪŋ /

noun

1. Engineering, Electronics. a process that uses ions of an inert gas to dislodge atoms from the surface of a crystalline material, the atoms then being electrically deposited to form an extremely thin coating on a glass, metal, plastic, or other surface.

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Other Word Forms

• unsputtering adjective

Etymology

Origin of sputtering

First recorded in 1900–05; sputter + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

While flagging inflation risks from the Middle East conflict, the central bank also emphasized that the economy is sputtering and having difficulty absorbing excess slack.

From The Wall Street Journal

For several moments I was motionless, despite the sputtering inside me.

From Literature

The private-credit engine that powered massive growth on Wall Street is sputtering, with investors trying to pull money out of big funds, forcing firms into uncomfortable decisions and endangering their future profits.

From The Wall Street Journal

Crackling sounds and sputtering voices were all we heard for what seemed like an hour.

From Literature

The demand is all the more surprising given that home sales—a big driver of furniture and appliance imports—are sputtering.

From The Wall Street Journal