sputter
/ˈspə tər/
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Definition(s):
- (n) the noise of something spattering or sputtering explosively
- (n) an utterance (of words) with spitting sounds (as in rage)
- (v) make an explosive sound
- (v) cause to undergo a process in which atoms are removed
- (v) climb awkwardly, as if by scrambling
- (v) utter with a spitting sound, as if in a rage
- (v) spit up in an explosive manner
Synonym(s)
Derived Word(s)
Usage(s):
- In such a finely tuned cognitive engine, only a small part must start to sputter before the whole machine comes crashing down.
- Xavier Gin, a World Bank economist in Malawi, has seen microinsurance sputter time and again, even in areas where microloans thrive.
- Hustle Flow might sputter without the seductive screen intelligence of Terrence Howard.
Quotes
- FAA Administrator Marion Blakey on Thursday said if the agency's reauthorization does not tie its revenue to its business costs, "the improvements will sputter along, the delays will only get worse and every weekend will feel like Labor Day."on Aug 30, 2007 By: Marion Blakey Source: Forbes
- "I think we punted on every possession except for the interception that we had," said Jackson of his team's second-half play. "Just for us to come out so dominant and then sputter in the second half, I think that is really what is...on Nov 27, 2007 By: Steven Jackson Source: Sports Network
- "I don't think it's a slump at all. Sometime you sputter as a group," Mets manager Willie Randolph said. "We've got to kind of pick each other up and find a way to put the total game together so we can get rolling a little bit. We will. We...on Apr 25, 2008 By: Willie Randolph Source: USA Today
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