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.

---

Other Word Forms

• unsputtering
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of sputtering

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

Example Sentences

Sputtering some and searching even more, the Chargers would benefit Sunday if someone could carry their offense.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2021

Sputtering electric vehicle startup Faraday Future has fired dozens of employees who have been on unpaid leave for months, including manufacturing workers hired to staff the company’s factory in Hanford, California, The Verge has learned.

From The Verge • Jun. 25, 2019

Sputtering growth, soaring debt and an escalating trade war with the United States are increasingly weighing on China’s economy.

From New York Times • Oct. 19, 2018

Sputtering about some inanity in the news, he seemed almost too fiery for the cool medium.

From Washington Post • Oct. 27, 2016

Sputtering, up he came, too full of water to call her name or beg for help, only looking at her as his arms slapped the water around him.

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman