sputter
|sput-ter|
🇺🇸
/ˈspʌtər/
🇬🇧
/ˈspʌtə/
soft explosive sounds
Etymology
'sputter' originates from Middle Dutch, specifically the word 'sputteren,' where 'sput-' meant 'to spit or splutter.'
'sputteren' transformed into the English word 'sputter' during the 16th century.
Initially, it meant 'to spit or splutter,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make a series of soft explosive sounds.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make a series of soft explosive sounds, typically when being heated or as a result of friction.
The engine began to sputter and then stopped.
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Antonyms
Verb 2
to speak in a hasty or confused way, often due to anger or surprise.
He sputtered in disbelief at the news.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42