n.
Pronunciation: ' sp ə -t ə r
Function: verb
Etymology: akin to Dutch sputteren to sputter
Date: 1598
transitive verb
1 : to spit or squirt from the mouth with explosive sounds
2 : to utter hastily or explosively in confusion or excitement < “ that's ridiculous! ” she sputter ed >
3 : to dislodge (atoms) from the surface of a material by collision with high energy particles also : to deposit (a metallic film) by such a process
intransitive verb
1 : to spit or squirt particles of food or saliva noisily from the mouth
2 : to speak explosively or confusedly in anger or excitement
3 : to make explosive popping sounds
– sput · ter · er noun