n.
Pronunciation: ' ko ̇ f
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English *cohhian; akin to Middle High German k ū chen to breathe heavily
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1 : to expel air from the lungs suddenly with an explosive noise
2 : to make a noise like that of coughing
transitive verb : to expel by coughing ― often used with up < cough up mucus>