expectorate

[ɪkˈspɛktəreɪt]
verb
expectorar
1. to cough up and spit out phlegm or other matter from the respiratory tract
The patient was asked to expectorate into a tissue sample container.
Pediu-se ao paciente que expectorasse em um recipiente de coleta de amostra.
2. to spit saliva from the mouth
It is impolite to expectorate on the sidewalk.
É deselegante expectorar na calçada.
The word 'expectorate' is primarily used in medical and formal contexts in both Brazil and the USA. In everyday speech, Americans and Brazilians are more likely to use 'spit' or 'cuspir' respectively. Public expectoration is generally considered unsanitary and impolite in both cultures.
NYC Slang
hawk a loogie
Synonyms / Sinônimos
spithawkcough upsputum
Antonyms / Antônimos
swallowinhale

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
expectorar
formal medical term commonly used in healthcare settings
Rio de Janeiro
cuspir
more colloquial alternative, though less precise
São Paulo
expectorar
preferred in medical and formal contexts
Portugal
expectorar
formal medical term, similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

expectorantsputumphlegmmucusrespiratory

Related Idioms & Phrases

expectorate into a specimen cup
expectorate phlegm
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