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Definition of sputum

sputum

/ˈspjuː.təm/
spu · tum
Plural:sputa
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sputum Lexical Profile

sputum Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract, typically resulting from infection or disease and often examined for diagnostic purposes.

Example

"The physician ordered a laboratory analysis of the patient's sputum to test for bacterial pneumonia."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sputum

Word Nuance & Usage

In clinical usage, 'sputum' specifically refers to thick mucus coughed up from the lower respiratory tract (lungs and bronchi), distinguishing it from ordinary 'saliva' produced in the mouth.

• Rhymes for sputum

• Nearby Words

sputnik
sputter
sputteringly
sputum
spy
spycam
spycatcher

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century directly from Latin sputum ('that which is spit out'), the neuter past participle of spuere ('to spit').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sputum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sputum
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