phlegm

[flem]

noun

1. 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.

2. one of the four elemental bodily humors of medieval physiology, regarded as causing sluggishness or apathy.

3. sluggishness, indifference, or apathy.

   Synonyms: impassiveness
   Antonyms: concern, animation

4. self-possession, calmness, or composure.

phlegm

/ flɛm /

noun

1. the viscid mucus secreted by the walls of the respiratory tract

2. archaic,  one of the four bodily humours

3. apathy; stolidity; indifference

4. self-possession; imperturbability; coolness

phlegm

1. Thick mucus produced by the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, as during a cold or other respiratory infection.

Other Word Forms

• phlegmless adjective
• phlegmy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phlegm¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of phlegm¹

C14: from Old French fleume, from Late Latin phlegma, from Greek: inflammation, from phlegein to burn

Example Sentences

In theory, each ingredient plays a role: one dries secretions, another loosens phlegm, a third dulls the cough reflex.

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She said Hannah's reaction "happened quickly" and she was coughing up phlegm.

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The bacterium that causes tuberculosis glows yellow in this phlegm sample; in orange are possible immune cells from the lung.

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Many infections involve dry coughs that don't produce phlegm at all.

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Take humoral theory: In the Middle Ages, the body was thought to consist of four liquid components called humors—blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm.

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