sputum

noun

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spu·tum | \ ˈspyü-təm

, ˈspü-\

plural sputa\ ˈspyü-tə

, ˈspü- \ also sputums

Definition of sputum

: 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

Examples of sputum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Over 2 years, researchers took nose and throat swabs as well as blood, sputum, and other fluid samples from 4232 children in Bangladesh, Gambia, Kenya, Mali, South Africa, Thailand, and Zambia, all of whom had severe pneumonia. — Alex Fox, Science | AAAS, "Viruses—not bacteria—cause most childhood pneumonia," 27 June 2019 Common symptoms include a bad cough lasting longer than 3 weeks, chest pain, and coughing up blood or sputum. — Brett Molina, USA TODAY, "Tuberculosis scare forces evacuations at Johns Hopkins Hospital," 6 July 2018 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.

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The first known use of sputum was circa 1693

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More Definitions for sputum

sputum

noun

English Language Learners Definition of sputum

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

See the full definition for sputum in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sputum

noun

spu·tum | \ ˈsp(y)üt-əm

plural sputa\ -ə

Medical Definition of sputum

: 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)