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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Viewers watching on high-definition screens could see droplets of spittle flinging from his mouth.

From The Guardian

Even before the spittle was dry on the presidential lectern last night, political analysts were debating whether the next debates were worth having.

From Washington Post

OK, the hair sometimes looks a bit more helmet like than flowing but watching the Hulk roar with a slight bit of spittle in the corner of his mouth made me forget any style issues.

From Washington Times