Sputtered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sputtered
[ˈspʌtəred ]
Definition
mechanical failure
The term 'sputtered' refers to the action of producing a series of explosive sounds, often associated with engines or machinery that are struggling to function properly. It can also refer to the discontinuous emission of particles or droplets, commonly seen in contexts like cooking or in sputtering equipment in a lab. In a broader sense, to sputter can mean to speak in a rapid or confused manner, often while experiencing difficulty in expressing oneself clearly.
Synonyms
exploded, spat, spluttered, stuttered.
Examples of usage
- The car sputtered before coming to a halt.
- He sputtered his words when he was taken by surprise.
- The engine began to sputter, signaling a problem.
- The frying pan sputtered as the oil heated up.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, 'sputtering' refers to a process where particles are ejected from a material due to energetic bombardment, often used in thin film deposition.
- Engine sputtering can indicate issues like fuel starvation or ignition problems, leading to inefficient combustion.
- Sputtering occurs in various contexts, such as in plasma physics, where it describes the ejection of particles as part of a gas discharge process.
Pop Culture
- In films, characters sputter when they are surprised or flustered, often serving as a comedic effect.
- The term has been used in songs to describe moments of hesitation or struggle, giving a sense of urgency or confusion.
- Animated characters commonly sputter during slapstick moments, enhancing visual comedy with exaggerated expressions.
Literature
- Authors often use 'sputtered' to convey frustration or awkwardness, capturing moments of hesitation in dialogue.
- The visual imagery of sputtering adds drama to a narrative, such as a character struggling to speak or a machinery failing.
- Poets utilize the word to illustrate chaotic or frenetic scenarios, deepening the emotional impact of their verses.
Psychology
- Sputtering in speech can indicate nervousness or excitement, often revealing underlying emotional states.
- In social interactions, people may sputter when caught off guard, reflecting their struggle to articulate thoughts quickly.
- Research shows that varied speech patterns, like sputtering, may influence listeners' perceptions of a speaker's confidence.
Origin of 'sputtered'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'sputter' likely comes from an imitation of the sound itself, often used in literature to describe hasty or disjointed actions.
- The word first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, initially describing uneven burning or combustion.
- It combines elements of the word 'spatter,' evoking a sense of messiness or chaos when something struggles to function.
The word 'sputter' originates from the mid-17th century, derived from a combination of 'spout' and the suffix '-er.' It initially described the action of something that shoots out in small, uncontrolled bursts, particularly in relation to liquids or gases. The onomatopoeic nature of the word emphasizes the sound associated with the action, making it vivid and relatable in various contexts, from mechanical failure to unsteady speech. As technology progressed, the term found relevance in scientific fields, especially in describing processes like sputtering in physics and engineering, where particles are ejected from a target due to energetic bombardment. Over time, 'sputter' has evolved to encompass both mechanical and verbal situations, demonstrating its versatility in the English language.