SPUTTER, v.i. [L., to spit. It belongs to the root of spout and spit; of the latter it seems to be a diminutive.] 1. To spit, or to emit saliva from the mouth in small or scattered portions, as in rapid speaking.2. To throw out moisture in small detached parts; as green wood sputtering in the flame.3. To fly off in small particles with some crackling or noise.When sparkling lamps their sputtering lights advance.4. To utter words hastily and indistinctly; literally, to spout small; to speak so rapidly as to emit saliva.They could neither of them speak their rage, and so they fell a sputtering at one another, like two roasting apples.SPUTTER, v.t. To throw out with haste and noise; to utter with indistinctness. In the midst of caresses--to sputter out the basest accusations.SPUTTER, n. Moist matter thrown out in small particles.
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