GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Sputter (spŭtˈtẽr), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sputtered (-tẽrd); p. pr. & vb. n. Sputtering.] [From the root of spout or spit to eject from the mouth.  Cf. Splutter.]
   1. To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small, scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.
   
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   2. To utter words hastily and indistinctly; to speak so rapidly as to emit saliva.
   
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   They could neither of them speak their rage, and so fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting apples. Congreve.
   
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   3. To throw out anything, as little jets of steam, with a noise like that made by one sputtering.
   
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   Like the green wood . . . sputtering in the flame. Dryden.
   
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2.       
   Sputter, v. t. To spit out hastily by quick, successive efforts, with a spluttering sound; to utter hastily and confusedly, without control over the organs of speech.
   
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   In the midst of caresses, and without the least pretended incitement, to sputter out the basest accusations. Swift.
   
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3.       
   Sputter, n. Moist matter thrown out in small detached particles; also, confused and hasty speech.
   
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