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Expectoration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคง
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expectoration

[หŒekspek.tษ™หˆreษช.สƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

The act or process of coughing up and spitting out phlegm or mucus from the throat or lungs.

Synonyms

clearing the throat, coughing up, spitting out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectoration

Used in medical or formal contexts to refer to the expulsion of mucus or phlegm from the lungs and throat by coughing or hawking.

  • The patient showed frequent expectoration throughout the examination.
  • A significant amount of expectoration can be noted when the condition worsens.
spitting out

Typically used in casual conversation to describe the action of forcefully expelling saliva or other substances from the mouth.

  • He spat out the water after rinsing his mouth.
  • The taste was so awful she had to spit it out immediately.
coughing up

Commonly used in both casual and medical settings to describe the action of expelling mucus, phlegm, or other substances from the lungs by coughing.

  • She was coughing up phlegm after being sick for several days.
  • Doctors were concerned by how much blood the patient was coughing up.
clearing the throat

Typically used in everyday situations to describe the action people take to remove minor obstructions or irritants in their throat, often done before speaking.

  • He cleared his throat before addressing the audience.
  • It's common to clear the throat when you feel a tickle or slight irritation.

Examples of usage

  • He was advised to drink plenty of fluids to help with expectoration.
  • She experienced difficulty in expectoration due to her chest infection.
Context #2 | Noun

formal

The act or process of discharging something from the lungs or air passages through the mouth or nose.

Synonyms

discharge, ejection, expulsion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expectoration

This word is commonly used in medical or clinical settings when referring to the act of coughing up and spitting out phlegm or mucus from the respiratory tract.

  • The patient was experiencing frequent expectoration of mucus due to bronchitis
discharge

Discharge is typically used in broader medical contexts to describe the release of fluids from the body, but it can also be used in other professional settings like the release of waste or the formal release of people from a hospital or military service.

  • The nurse observed a yellow discharge from the wound
  • The soldier was given an honorable discharge from the army
ejection

Ejection is most often used in mechanical or formal contexts, and it implies a forceful or abrupt removal or release of something.

  • The pilot's ejection seat saved his life during the emergency
  • The malfunction caused an ejection of steam from the boiler
expulsion

This word is generally used in formal or legal contexts to refer to the act of forcing someone or something out, often with a negative connotation.

  • The student's continuous misbehavior led to his expulsion from school
  • The expulsion of the diplomats strained international relations

Examples of usage

  • The expectoration of blood can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
  • He observed traces of expectoration on the pavement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Expectoration is often a symptom of conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, indicating the body is clearing mucus.
  • Healthcare professionals may analyze expectorated material to diagnose diseases or infections, making it an important part of medical examinations.

Psychology

  • The act of expectoration can be associated with the body's response to distress and can symbolize the release of pent-up emotions.
  • In some cultures, clearing one's throat or expectorating can be seen as a ritual to prepare for speaking, highlighting its psychological aspects.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and literature, scenes featuring expectoration often convey characters in distress or illness, emphasizing their vulnerability.
  • Stand-up comedians sometimes use the act of expectoration for comedic effect, portraying exaggerated illness or disgust.

Literature

  • Expectoration symbolizes struggle and suffering in literary works, often showing characters confronting their inner turmoil.
  • Famous works sometimes use expectoration as a metaphor for cleansing or purging, leaving behind the unwanted of the past.

Origin of 'expectoration'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'expectoratio', meaning 'to drive from the chest', where 'ex-' means 'out' and 'pector' means 'chest'.
  • In early medicine, expectoration was a common practice to clear respiratory ailments, seen as vital for health.

The word 'expectoration' originates from the Latin word 'exspectorare', meaning to look out for. Over time, it came to be associated with the act of coughing up and spitting out phlegm or mucus. The usage of 'expectoration' in the medical context can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was used to describe the process of clearing the throat or lungs. Today, it remains a common term in medical literature and conversations surrounding respiratory health.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,732, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.