Pronunciation

/kɒf/

Definitions

• Noun: A sudden, involuntary contraction of the chest muscles, causing one to expel air from the lungs through the throat, typically accompanied by a sound. For example: “The patient’s persistent cough indicated a respiratory infection.”
• Verb: To produce a cough, often as a reflex or response to irritation in the throat or lungs. For example: “She coughed to clear her throat before speaking.”
• Adjective: Characterized by or indicating a cough, as in “cough medicine” or “a coughing fit.”

Phrases

• “Cough up” means to bring up phlegm or mucus from the lungs.
• “Cough reflex” refers to the automatic response to irritants in the respiratory tract.
• “Cough suppressant” is a medication that helps reduce or prevent coughing.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The baby was coughing up phlegm all night.”
• Verb: “After inhaling the dust, he started to cough uncontrollably.”
• Adjective: “Her constant coughing made it difficult for her to sleep.”

Synonyms

• Sneeze
• Wheeze
• Coughing
• Expectoration
• Hoarse

Antonyms

• Silence
• Peace
• Calm (in terms of respiratory sounds)