expectorate

Pronunciation key ( ik-spek′tə-rāt′ )

ex•pec•to•rate

v.t. & v.i. [EXPECTORATED (-id), EXPECTORATING, EXPECTORATES]

[L. expectoratus, pp. of expectorare, to banish from the mind, expel from the breast < ex-, out + pectus, pectoris breast. To drive from the breast.].

1. The act of clearing out the lungs and respiratory passages by coughing and spitting up fluids such as phlegm and mucus.
2. To spit or eject from the mouth.

ex•pec′to•ra′tion n.

References

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955

The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985

Further Reading

expectorant