I. ˈspə-tər 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
II. noun
Date: 1673
1. : confused and excited speech or discussion
2. : the act or sound of sputtering