expectoration
(ɛkˌspɛktəˈreɪʃən)
[f. prec. vb.: see -ation.]
1. The action or process of expectorating; discharge of phlegm from the chest by coughing, etc.
| 1672 Sir T. Browne Lett. Friend xv. (1881) 138 Expectoration and spitting out. 1793 Beddoes Consumpt. 134 Even when the expectoration..goes on favourably. 1826 Scott Woodst. v, A slight expectoration, just like what one makes before beginning a long speech. 1834 J. Forbes Laennec's Dis. Chest 84 The varying secretion and expectoration of the pearly sputa. 1860 Emerson Cond. Life, Behav. Wks. (Bohn) II. 382 In the pews of the churches [are] little placards..against..expectoration. |
| fig. 1816 Scott Antiq. xxii, This expectoration of spleen was suddenly interrupted. |
2. concr. Expectorated matter; a quantity of it.
| 1817 Med. Jrnl. XVII. 557 A considerable expectoration mixed with blood. 1843 Abdy Water Cure 31 Slimy glutinous expectoration frequently. 1879 Khorz Princ. Med. 40 Expectoration may contain mucus, pus, or blood. |