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, adjective

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, adjective

Word 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

phlegmy 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.