sputum
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.spu·tum
noun \ˈspyü-təm, ˈspü-\ plural spu·ta \-tə\
Definition of SPUTUM
: expectorated matter especially from the air passages in diseases of the lungs, bronchi, or upper respiratory tract
See Origin of SPUTUM
Latin, from neuter of sputus, past participle of spuere to spit — more at spew
First Known Use: circa 1693
Rhymes with SPUTUM
spu·tum
noun \ˈsp(y)üt-əm\ (Medical Dictionary)plural ; spu·ta \-ə\ (audio pronunciation)
Medical Definition of SPUTUM
: matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs and bronchi in diseased states that is composed chiefly of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (as bacteria)
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