expectoration

[ ik-spek-tuh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of expectorating.
2. matter that is expectorated.

Word History and Origins

Origin of expectoration¹

First recorded in 1665–75; expectorate + -ion

Example Sentences

The consensus reaction was that Bobby’s expectoration reeked of callousness regarding the carnage taking place in Bosnia, and was a clear flouting of, if not international law, then at least moral norms.

From Literature

We just have to wean ourselves from his Twitter expectorations, which are such easy, entertaining fuel for talking — or, rather, exploding — heads.

From New York Times

Maybe those would be less noticeable or relevant than before, given the nature and nuttiness of Trump’s expectorations.

From New York Times

Maybe the sight of brown expectoration makes waves of onlookers physically ill, making medical attention necessary.

From Washington Times

AP: There’s a lot of, shall we say, expectoration in this show.

From Washington Times