sputum

noun
UK: /ˈspjuːtəm/
US: /ˈspjuːtəm/

  1. A mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract, typically as a result of infection or other disease.

    1. The doctor asked for a sputum sample to test for infection.
    2. Examination of the patient's sputum revealed the presence of harmful bacteria indicating a severe respiratory illness.

Synonyms

phlegm mucus spit
sputum verb

  1. To eject saliva or other substance from the mouth; to spit.

    1. He had to sputum because he felt something in his throat.
    2. The old man began to sputum frequently, a sign of his worsening condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "sputum" is /ˈspjuːtəm/ in British English and /ˈspjuːtəm/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "sputum": phlegm, mucus, spit.

Example usage of "sputum": "The doctor asked for a sputum sample to test for infection.". More examples on the page.