ˈspyüd.əm, -ütəm noun
( plural spu·ta -d.ə, -tə ; also sputums )
Etymology: Latin, from neuter of sputus, past participle of spuere to spit — more at spew
1. : something expectorated and usually consisting of saliva with or without mucus or other materials from the respiratory passages
2. : the matter discharged from the air passages in diseases of the lungs, bronchi, or upper respiratory tract that contains mucus and often pus, blood, fibrin, or bacterial products