/ ˈspʌtə(r); NAmE / verb
1.
[ v ] if an engine, a lamp or a fire sputters , it makes a series of short explosive sounds
SYN splutter :
sputtering fireworks
2.
to speak quickly and with difficulty, making soft spitting sounds, because you are angry or shocked
SYN splutter :
[ v speech ]
'W-What?' sputtered Anna.
[also vn ]
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (as a verb): from Dutch sputteren , of imitative origin.