Sputum
/ˈspjuːtəm/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Health Context
Use 'sputum' in medical or health discussions, especially when talking about respiratory illnesses. 
The lab is analyzing the sputum to identify the infection.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Saliva
'Sputum' is not the same as saliva; it comes from the lungs, not the mouth. 
The doctor made it clear it was sputum, not just saliva, that needed to be tested.
Pro Tip 3/3Technical Term
'Sputum' is a technical term, not typically used in casual conversation. 
When I visited the clinic, the nurse asked if I had any sputum to provide.