I. ˈkȯf verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English * cohhian; akin to Middle High German kūchen 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
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1. : a condition marked by repeated or frequent coughing
2. : an act or sound of coughing