Squittering

Part of speech: verb, adjective

Definitions

1. Emitting a shrill, rapid chirping or twittering sound ; spurting out liquid in quick, scattered jets
2. Producing high, excited chirps or squeaks ; ejecting liquid in small, irregular spurts
3. Giving off thin, twittering cries ; spraying or spouting in fine, darting streams

Etymology: "Squittering" is the present participle of "squitter," a verb built from "squit," meaning "to squirt," plus the frequentative-style ending "-er." The pattern is the same one that gives English "flicker" and "chatter" their repeated, back-and-forth motion, so "squitter" suggests a quick, repeated spurting or scattering rather than a single squirt. The verb is closely related to "skitter," which shares the same sense of rapid, light, darting movement, and the two words seem to have blended in meaning over time. The participle carries that same quick, scattered motion. Something squittering darts or scatters in short, erratic bursts, the way water spits from a loose hose or a handful of small creatures scurry off in different directions.

Synonyms: twittering, chirping, cheeping