expectorate etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: expectorāre, meaning "to spit out"
  • Roots:
    • ex-: out, from
    • pectus: breast, chest

Meaning:

  • To bring up and spit out mucus or saliva from the lungs or throat.

Origin:

The word "expectorate" has been used in English since the late 14th century. It comes from the Latin verb "expectorāre," which means "to spit out." The verb "expectorāre" is itself derived from the Latin noun "pectus," which means "breast" or "chest." This is because the lungs are located in the chest, and expectoration involves bringing up mucus from the lungs.

Historical Usage:

The verb "expectorate" was commonly used in medical contexts to describe the process of spitting out mucus or other substances from the lungs. In the 19th century, it was also used more generally to refer to the act of spitting, even if the mucus or saliva did not come from the lungs.

Modern Usage:

Today, the word "expectorate" is still used in both medical and general contexts. In medical settings, it refers to the physiological process of spitting out mucus from the lungs. In more general contexts, it can also be used to refer to the act of spitting, although this is often considered to be impolite.

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