sputter

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sput·ter / ˈspətər/ • v. 1. [intr.] make a series of soft explosive sounds, typically when being heated or as a symptom of a fault: the engine sputtered and stopped. ∎  speak in a series of incoherent bursts as a result of indignation or some other strong emotion: [with direct speech] “But … but …” she sputtered. ∎  [tr.] emit with a spitting sound: the goose is in the oven, sputtering fat. ∎  fig. proceed or develop in a spasmodic and feeble way: strikes in the public services sputtered on.2. [tr.] Physics deposit (metal) on a surface by using fast ions to eject particles of it from a target. ∎  cover (a surface) with metal by this method.• n. a series of soft explosive sounds, typically produced by an engine or by something heating or burning: the sputter of the motor died away.DERIVATIVES: sput·ter·er n.