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Sputum - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sputum is a thick mucus coughed up from the lungs, often due to infection or illness. It helps doctors diagnose respiratory conditions by analyzing its color and consistency.

sputum

/ˈspjuːtəm/ /ˈspjuːtəm/

Definition:

Mucus coughed up from the lungs, often due to illness or infection.

Synonyms:

Phlegm, mucus, expectoration

Part of Speech:

Noun

Antonyms:

(No direct antonyms)

Common Collocations:

Cough up sputum, bloody sputum, sputum sample, sputum production

Derivatives:

Sputumous (rare), sputal (rare)

Usage Tips:

Use "sputum" in medical contexts to describe mucus expelled from the respiratory tract.

Common Phrases:

(No common phrases or idioms)

Etymology:

From Latin "sputum," meaning "that which is spit out," from "spuere" (to spit).

Examples:

  • 1. The doctor examined the patient's sputum for signs of infection.
  • 2. She coughed up thick sputum during her bronchitis episode.
  • 3. The lab tested the sputum sample for tuberculosis bacteria.
  • 4. Excessive sputum production can indicate a respiratory condition.

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