sputum

views updated May 18 2018

spu·tum / ˈspyoōtəm/ • n. a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract, typically as a result of infection or other disease and often examined microscopically to aid medical diagnosis.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

sputum

views updated May 21 2018

sputum (spew-tŭm) n. material coughed up from the respiratory tract. Its colour, consistency, and other characteristics often provide important information affecting the diagnosis and the management of respiratory disease. Pathological examination of sputum for microorganisms and abnormal cells may add further information.

A Dictionary of Nursing

sputum

views updated Jun 27 2018

sputum XVII. — L. spūtum, sb. use of n. p. of spuere spit
.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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Sputum

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