spu·tum (spy  t m)n. pl. spu·ta (-t ) Matter coughed up and usually ejected from the mouth, including saliva, foreign material, and substances such as mucus or phlegm, from the respiratory tract. [Latin sp  tum, from neuter past participle of spuere, to spit.] |
sputum [ˈspjuːtəm]
n pl -ta [-tə]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) a mass of salivary matter ejected from the mouth
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) saliva ejected from the mouth mixed with mucus or pus exuded from the respiratory passages, as in bronchitis or bronchiectasis
[from Latin: spittle, from spuere to spit out]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | sputum - expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness mucous secretion, mucus - protective secretion of the mucus membranes; in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium |
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