spluttering

Noun

splutter (countable and uncountable, plural splutters)

1. (countable) A forceful emission of something, especially in small drops or particles; a spluttering or sputtering.
   • a splutter of water from a pipe
2. (countable) A forceful choking or spitting sound.
3. (countable, figuratively) A noisy commotion.
   • But party carries every thing nowadays, and what a splutter have I heard about the wit of that saying, repeated with admiration about a hundred times in half an hour.1711 February 11 (date written; Gregorian calendar), Jonathan Swift, “[Dr. Swift’s Journal to Stella.] Letter XV.”, in Thomas Sheridan, John Nichols, editors, The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift...
4. (countable, figuratively) A disagreement or dispute.

   Synonyms:

   controversy

5. (figuratively, uncountable) Chaotic and forceful speaking, verbal exchange, etc.; (countable) an instance of this.
   • a splutter of rage from the old man

   Synonyms:

   sputter

See all 17 meanings of splutter