phlegm
[flem]
- 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.
Show More
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
Synonyms
See more synonyms for phlegm on Thesaurus.com3. impassivity.
Antonyms
3. animation, concern.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for phlegm
Contemporary Examples
I was never sure whether this was phlegm or the onset of lunacy.
So after my father died I wrote a book, Fathers and Sons, with the intention of casting the Wavian phlegm out of my system.
Historical Examples
There is a third class of diseases which are produced, some by wind and some by phlegm and some by bile.
TimaeusPlato
Under Teuton phlegm lies an hysteria that rivals that of the Latin races.
A fellow of your phlegm should find pleasure in the contemplation of cabbages.
The Lady of Loyalty HouseJustin Huntly McCarthy
One of Popes precepts is, to write with fury and correct with phlegm.
Hints on Extemporaneous PreachingHenry Ware
I am always annoyed with phlegm, but to-day I seem to snivel more than usual.
MeditationsMarcus Aurelius
phlegm
- 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
Show More
Word Origin
C14: from Old French fleume, from Late Latin phlegma, from Greek: inflammation, from phlegein to burn
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for phlegm
n.
late 14c., fleem "viscid mucus" (the stuff itself and also regarded as a bodily humor), from Old French fleume (13c., Modern French flegme), from Late Latin phlegma, one of the four humors of the body, from Greek phlegma "humor caused by heat," lit "inflammation, heat," from phlegein "to burn," related to phlox (genitive phlogos) "flame, blaze," from PIE *bhleg- "to shine, flash," from root *bhel- (1) "to shine, flash, burn" (see bleach (v.)). Modern form is attested from c.1660. The "cold, moist" humor of the body, in medieval physiology, it was believed to cause apathy.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
phlegm
(flĕm)- 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.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
phlegm
[flĕm]
- Thick mucus produced by the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, as during a cold or other respiratory infection.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.