plural sputa
ˈspyü-tə 
ˈspü-
also sputums
: 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
Usually, patients will have blood and other samples, such as sputum or pus, taken from a bubo.
—
Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
The ancients of Greece and China confirmed tuberculosis by tossing a patient’s sputum onto hot coals and smelling the fumes.
—Scott Sayare Robert Petkoff Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 14 June 2024
After a few hours in the chamber, the study participants gave sputum samples, which helped researchers identify those who were sensitive to the fumes and exactly how their airways and lungs were being affected.
—Linda Carroll, TIME, 30 May 2024
You'll be asked to cough up some sputum with as little saliva as possible.
—Tanya Feke, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sputum 
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Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
The ancients of Greece and China confirmed tuberculosis by tossing a patient’s sputum onto hot coals and smelling the fumes.
—Scott Sayare Robert Petkoff Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 14 June 2024
After a few hours in the chamber, the study participants gave sputum samples, which helped researchers identify those who were sensitive to the fumes and exactly how their airways and lungs were being affected.
—Linda Carroll, TIME, 30 May 2024
You'll be asked to cough up some sputum with as little saliva as possible.
—Tanya Feke, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sputum
Dictionary Entries Near sputum
Cite this Entry
“Sputum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sputum. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sputum
noun
spu·tum
ˈsp(y)üt-əm
plural sputa
-ə
: material that is spit or coughed up from the lungs and bronchi and is made up mostly of mucus
Medical Definition
sputum
noun
spu·tum
ˈsp(y)üt-əm
plural sputa
-ə
: 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)
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