expectoration Definition
- 1the act or process of coughing up and spitting out mucus or other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea
- 2the matter so expectorated
Using expectoration: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "expectoration" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The doctor prescribed medication to help with her expectoration.
Example
Smoking can cause difficulty in expectoration.
Example
The color and consistency of the expectoration can indicate the presence of an infection.
expectoration Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for expectoration
- phlegm
- coughing up
- spitting up
Phrases with expectoration
bloody expectoration
coughing up blood
Example
The patient was hospitalized due to bloody expectoration.
coughing up mucus mixed with air, giving it a foamy appearance
Example
Frothy expectoration can be a sign of heart failure.
coughing up pus
Example
Purulent expectoration is a common symptom of pneumonia.
Origins of expectoration
from Latin 'expectorare', meaning 'to expel from the chest'
Summary: expectoration in Brief
'Expectoration' [ɪkˌspɛktəˈreɪʃən] refers to the act of coughing up and spitting out mucus or other material from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. It can be indicative of an underlying respiratory condition and is often treated with medication. The color and consistency of the expectoration can provide insight into the nature of the condition, as in 'bloody expectoration,' 'frothy expectoration,' and 'purulent expectoration.'