sputum
[ spyoo-tuh m ]
/ ˈspyu təm /
noun, plural spu·ta [spyoo-tuh] /ˈspyu tə/.
matter, as saliva mixed with mucus or pus, expectorated from the lungs and respiratory passages.
Nearby words
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
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Examples from the Web for sputum
British Dictionary definitions for sputum
sputum
/ (ˈspjuːtəm) /
noun plural -ta (-tə)
a mass of salivary matter ejected from the mouth
saliva ejected from the mouth mixed with mucus or pus exuded from the respiratory passages, as in bronchitis or bronchiectasis
Word Origin for sputum
C17: from Latin: spittle, from spuere to spit out
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for sputum
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for sputum
sputum
[ spyōō′təm ]
n. pl. spu•ta (-tə)
Matter coughed up and usually expelled from the mouth, especially mucus or mucopurulent matter expectorated in diseases of the air passages.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.