What Does Sputum Mean?
The word sputum has its origin in Latin and is taken from the word spūtum. It was obtained from the verb spuere which means to spit. Sputum is used only as a noun. Sputum is matter that is usually thrown out from mouth as a result of coughing. Sputum can include foreign material along with saliva. Mucus or phlegm produced in the respiratory tract could also be thrown out in the sputum. For example: his sputum showed traces of phlegm. One’s sputum can also show traces of blood. This happens when the lining of the mouth or the opening of the respiratory tract is injured or damaged. This is observed in diseased persons. In the ancient physiology, sputum or oral discharge was considered to be the cause of sluggishness.
