sputtering Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the noise of something spattering or sputtering explosively
   splatter; spatter; spattering; sputter; splattering; splutter.
   
   • he heard a spatter of gunfire
2. verb make an explosive sound
   sputter.
   
   • sputtering engines
3. verb cause to undergo a process in which atoms are removed
   sputter.
   
   • The solar wind protons must sputter away the surface atoms of the dust
4. verb climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling
   shin; shinny; skin; sputter; clamber; scramble; struggle.
   
5. verb utter with a spitting sound, as if in a rage
   sputter; splutter.
   
6. verb spit up in an explosive manner
   sputter; splutter; spit out.
   

WordNet