sputum

American  

[spyoo-tuhm] / ˈspyu təm /

noun

plural

sputa

1. matter, as saliva mixed with mucus or pus, expectorated from the lungs and respiratory passages.

---

sputum British  

/ ˈspjuːtəm /

noun

1. a mass of salivary matter ejected from the mouth

2. saliva ejected from the mouth mixed with mucus or pus exuded from the respiratory passages, as in bronchitis or bronchiectasis

---

Etymology

Origin of sputum

1685–95; < Latin spūtum, noun use of neuter of spūtus, past participle of spuere to spit, equivalent to spū- variant stem + -tus past participle suffix

Compare meaning

How does sputum compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sputum vs. mucus

Example Sentences

"It's meant to break up sputum, but kids under two can't spit it out, so the mucus can be aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia - yet it is still prescribed."

From BBC

After 28 days, respiratory symptoms of cough, wheeze, breathlessness and sputum were found to be better with benralizumab.

From Science Daily

It also delivered results in less than four hours for urine, pus, and sputum samples, and within one day for blood samples.

From Science Daily

The living material incorporates multiple microbial communities and key nutritional and chemical factors that promote bacterial growth and exhibit physical properties mimicking those of biofilms from CF sputum.

From Science Daily

A sign at the entrance to the clinic announces the other major health problem: "sputum sampling" for tuberculosis or TB.

From BBC