—v.intr.
1 expel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound produced by abrupt opening of the glottis, to remove an obstruction or congestion.
2 (of an engine, gun, etc.) make a similar sound.
3 sl. confess.
—n.
1 an act of coughing.
2 a condition of the respiratory organs causing coughing.
3 a tendency to cough.
Phrases and idioms:
cough drop (or sweet) a medicated lozenge to relieve a cough. cough mixture a liquid medicine to relieve a cough. cough out
1 eject by coughing.
2 say with a cough.
cough up
1 = cough out.
2 sl. bring out or give (money or information) reluctantly.
Derivatives:
cougher n.
Etymology: ME coghe, cowhe, rel. to MDu. kuchen, MHG kuchen, of imit. orig.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.