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expectorator

expectorator

9.9
A person who spits out saliva or phlegm
  • noun
  • /ɪkˈspɛktəˌreɪtər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : esputador
  • In some cultures, being an open expectorator in public is considered rude.

Examples

  • The coach scolded the young player for being an expectorator on the field.

  • The dentist reminded the expectorator to use a tissue when clearing his throat.

  • Don't be an expectorator at the restaurant!

  • He is an expectorator.

  • In some cultures, being an open expectorator in public is considered rude.

  • The dentist reminded the expectorator to use a tissue when clearing his throat.

  • Don't be an expectorator at the restaurant!

Synonyms

spitter
vsexpectorator
1 7.8

A person who pushes saliva or phlegm out of their mouth

means exactly the same thing with no practical difference in sense

Surface Forms

expectorator singular
expectorators plural

Morphology

expectorator = expectorate (transparent) = expectorate + or

This is a standard agent noun formed from the verb 'expectorate' with the suffix '-or'.

Etymology

Expectorator comes from the Latin parts ex- 'out' and pectus 'chest', so it originally meant 'one who brings out what is in the chest'. That is why an expectorator can also mean a person who spits or clears phlegm from their mouth.