Word Study
sputum
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun sputum has 1 sense
- sputum(n = noun.body) phlegm - expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness; Array is a kind of mucous secretion, mucus
CIDE DICTIONARY
sputum, n. [L., from spuere, sputum, to spit.].
That which is expectorated; a salival discharge; spittle; saliva. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
sputum, n. (pl. sputa)
1 saliva, spittle.
2 a mixture of saliva and mucus expectorated from the respiratory tract, usu. a sign of disease.
1 saliva, spittle.
2 a mixture of saliva and mucus expectorated from the respiratory tract, usu. a sign of disease.
Etymology
L, neut. past part. of spuere spit
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