sputter

• Nom désignant une série de crépitements ou de sifflements explosifs, ou une parole prononcée avec de tels bruits sifflants, souvent sous l'effet de la colère ou d'une forte émotion.

A noun referring to a series of explosive spattering or spitting noises, or to an utterance made with such spitting sounds, often as a result of rage or strong emotion.

1. Explosive spattering noiseB2formal

   A short, explosive sound made by something spattering or sputtering, like a small engine or a frying pan.

   Crépitement

   • The engine gave a final sputter before dying.
   • The bacon cooked with a loud sputter in the pan.
   • A sputter of sparks came from the faulty wire.

   Synonymescracklespatterspatteringspluttersputtering

2. Utterance with spitting soundsB2formal

   A way of speaking that involves short, explosive, or spitting sounds, often due to anger, excitement, or a speech impediment.

   Émission de sons en crachant

   • His reply was a furious sputter of half-formed words.
   • She let out a sputter of protest before being interrupted.
   • The old man's sputter was barely understandable.

   Synonymessplutter

• Verbe utilisé pour décrire une parole confuse ou hésitante, ou l'émission d'une série de bruits sourds et explosifs, souvent due à un dysfonctionnement mécanique.

A verb used to describe the act of speaking in a confused or indistinct way, or making a series of soft explosive sounds, often due to a mechanical issue.

1. Make explosive soundsB2informal

   To make a series of soft explosive sounds, often like spitting or popping.

   Crépiter

   • The old car's engine sputtered and then died.
   • The firecracker sputtered before exploding.
   • The coffee machine sputtered as it dispensed the last cup.

   Synonymescracklefizzsizzlesplutter

2. Speak in a confused or angry wayB2informal

   To speak in a confused, angry, or excited way, often with spitting sounds.

   bredouiller de colère

   • He sputtered an apology after being caught.
   • She sputtered with rage when she heard the news.
   • The politician sputtered out a weak defense.

   Synonymesgabblejabbersplutterspoutstammerstutter

3. Spit out explosivelyB2informal

   To eject something, like liquid or food, from the mouth in a sudden, explosive manner.

   cracher de manière explosive

   • The baby sputtered milk all over the bib.
   • He sputtered water after laughing while drinking.
   • She sputtered out the bitter medicine.

   Synonymesspewspitsplutterspurt

4. Climb awkwardlyC1informal

   To climb or move in a clumsy, scrambling manner.

   grimper en se débattant

   • The hikers sputtered up the rocky slope.
   • He sputtered over the fence, nearly falling.
   • The children sputtered up the tree to get the ball.

   Synonymesclamberscrambleshinshinnyskinstruggle

5. Remove atoms (scientific)C2formalscientific

   To cause a material to undergo a process where atoms are ejected from its surface, typically by bombardment with ions.

   pulvérisation cathodique

   • The lab technician used a beam to sputter a thin layer of gold onto the sample.
   • Sputtering is a key technique in creating semiconductor devices.
   • The process can sputter atoms from the target material.