intransitive verb

1. to spit out drops of saliva, bits of food, etc. in an explosive manner, as when talking excitedly; splutter
2. to speak hastily in a confused, explosive manner
3. to make sharp, sizzling or spitting sounds, as burning wood, frying fat, etc.

Etymology: Du sputteren, freq. < MDu spotten, to spit: for base see spew

transitive verb

1. to spit or throw out (bits or drops) in an explosive manner
2. to utter by sputtering

noun

1. the act or noise of sputtering
2. matter thrown out in sputtering
3. hasty, confused, explosive utterance