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

Lexington’s economic engine is sputtering to a halt.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as labor shortages, high interest rates and a costly fiscal squeeze begins to bite, growth is sputtering.

From The Wall Street Journal

The good news is that it has shown few signs of sputtering toward the end of the year.

From MarketWatch

The U.S. has for decades made sputtering progress on hypersonic-weapons development, and the military has routinely abandoned projects before any were fielded or produced in large numbers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Houston’s defense is solid, but the offense is sputtering and the line continues to leak under pressure.

From Los Angeles Times