sputum

noun spu·tum \ ˈspyü-təm , ˈspü- \

Updated on: 6 May 2018

Definition of sputum

plural sputa play \ˈspyü-tə, ˈspü-\ also sputums

: matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs that is composed of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (such as bacteria) in diseased states

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Recent Examples of sputum from the Web

So does weeks of coughing up sputum (a mix of mucus and saliva).

— korin miller, SELF, "Here’s When to See a Doctor About That Persistent Cough," 7 Apr. 2018
Patients with lower blood concentration levels also bore the infectious bacteria in their sputum for longer periods of time — potentially spreading it by coughing, said Dr. Jan S. Fehr, one of the study’s lead authors.

— emily baumgaertner, New York Times, "TB Treatment May Leave Some Patients Contagious," 6 Apr. 2018
The immunologist also ordered a sputum test, which revealed a strain of staphylococcus bacteria in Mimi's lungs.

— sandra g. boodman, chicagotribune.com, "The girl who couldn't stop coughing," 5 Apr. 2018
The immunologist also ordered a sputum test, which revealed a strain of staphylococcus bacteria in Mimi’s lungs.

— sandra g. boodman, Washington Post, "Why did a little girl have a persistent ‘smoker’s cough’?," 31 Mar. 2018
Refugees who have positive blood tests and chest x-rays are taken to a county health office for sputum tests, according to Robert Moser, head of Catholic Charities in San Diego.

— kate morrissey, sandiegouniontribune.com, "UCSD researcher says Breitbart misused his study on refugees and TB," 16 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sputum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sputum

Latin, from neuter of sputus, past participle of spuere to spit — more at spew

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1693

in the meaning defined above

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SPUTUM Defined for English Language Learners

sputum

noun

Definition of sputum for English Language Learners

medical : a thick liquid that comes up from your lungs when you are sick

Medical Dictionary

sputum

noun spu·tum \ ˈsp(y)üt-əm \

medical Definition of sputum

plural sputa play \-ə\

: matter expectorated from the respiratory system and especially the lungs in diseased states that is composed of mucus but may contain pus, blood, fibrin, or microorganisms (as bacteria)