phlegm
[ flem ]
/ flɛm /
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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.
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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
phlegmless, adjectiveWords nearby phlegm
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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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.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.