phlegm
[ flem ]
/ flɛm /
noun
the thick mucus secreted in the respiratory passages and discharged through the mouth, especially that occurring in the lungs and throat passages, as during a cold.
one of the four elemental bodily humors of medieval physiology, regarded as causing sluggishness or apathy.
sluggishness, indifference, or apathy.
self-possession, calmness, or composure.
Origin of phlegm
1350–1400; Middle English
fleem < Middle French
flemme < Late Latin
phlegma < Greek
phlégma flame, phlegmatic humor, equivalent to
phlég(ein) to burn +
-ma resultative noun suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM phlegm
phlegm·less, adjectiveWords nearby phlegm
Example sentences from the Web for phlegm
British Dictionary definitions for phlegm
phlegm
/ (flɛm) /
noun
the viscid mucus secreted by the walls of the respiratory tract
archaic
one of the four bodily humours
apathy; stolidity; indifference
self-possession; imperturbability; coolness
Derived forms of phlegm
phlegmy, adjectiveWord Origin for phlegm
C14: from Old French
fleume, from Late Latin
phlegma, from Greek: inflammation, from
phlegein to burn
Medical definitions for phlegm
phlegm
[ flĕm ]
n.
Thick, sticky, stringy mucus secreted by the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, as during a cold or other respiratory infection.
One of the four humors of ancient and medieval physiology, thought to cause sluggishness, apathy, and evenness of temper.
Other words from phlegm
phlegm′y adj.Scientific definitions for phlegm
phlegm
[ flĕm ]
Thick mucus produced by the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, as during a cold or other respiratory infection.