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Synonyms

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

Etymology

Origin of sputtering

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Instead, magnetron sputtering deposition creates the material from alloy vapor.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 31, 2026

The company blamed the poor outlook on sputtering growth from its key branded-checkout product, which lets customers use PayPal when making online purchases, and poor internal execution.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

Amid sputtering domestic growth momentum, economists say Beijing may roll out some targeted easing in coming weeks, but a policy pivot is unlikely.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

The director’s moaning score here, supplemented with sputtering engines and clanking chains, underline the movie’s ghost-story vibe — the sense that poor Nick is both alive and dead.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026

As one rolled into the pile of fallen silk, Pinmei stared as the fabric smoldered and curled, the flames sputtering as if gasping.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

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