sputtering

[ spuht-er-ing ]

noun

1. Engineering, Electronics. a process that uses ions of an inert gas to dislodge atoms from the surface of a crystalline material, the atoms then being electrically deposited to form an extremely thin coating on a glass, metal, plastic, or other surface.

Other Words From

• un·sputter·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sputtering¹

First recorded in 1900–05; sputter + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Herbert helped jump-start a sputtering offense by scoring the Chargers’ first touchdown with a four-yard scramble on fourth-and-one.

From Los Angeles Times

The star quarterback completed 20 of 32 passes and was again the steadying force for the sputtering offense that struggled with protection up front and punted a season-high three times in the first quarter.

From Los Angeles Times

Just agreeing to do it left her looking confident, while a sputtering Trump unloaded on Fox for inviting her.

From Salon

The fact that the Chargers have kept games close despite their sputtering offense is a testament to the defensive makeover under first-year coordinator Jesse Minter.

From Los Angeles Times

A common theme of the Dodgers’ recent postseason failings has been high-powered lineups sputtering in surprise playoff eliminations.

From Los Angeles Times