expectorate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb clear out the chest and lungs
    drive out; clear out.
    • This drug expectorates quickly
  2. verb discharge (phlegm or sputum) from the lungs and out of the mouth
    cough out; spit up; cough up; spit out.

WordNet

Ex*pec"to*rate transitive verb
Etymology
L. expecrorare to drive from the breast; ex out + pectus, pectiris, breast. See Pectoral.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Expectorated ; present participle & verbal noun Expectorating
Definitions
  1. To eject from the trachea or lungs; to discharge, as phlegm or other matter, by coughing, hawking, and spitting; to spit forth.
Ex*pec"to*rate intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To discharge matter from the lungs or throat bu hawking and spitting; to spit.

Webster 1913