phlegm

phlegm

noun \ˈflem\

Definition of PHLEGM

1

: the one of the four humors in early physiology that was considered to be cold and moist and to cause sluggishness

2

: viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages

3

a : dull or apathetic coldness or indifference

b : intrepid coolness or calm fortitude

— phlegmy \ˈfle-mē\ adjective

Examples of PHLEGM

1. He displayed remarkable phlegm in very dangerous conditions.
2. <a man of remarkable phlegm, never showing enthusiasm nor displeasure>

Origin of PHLEGM

Middle English fleume, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin phlegmat-, phlegma, from Greek, flame, inflammation, phlegm, from phlegein to burn — more at black

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to PHLEGM

Synonyms

affectlessness, emotionlessness, impassiveness, impassivity, insensibility, numbness, apathy

Antonyms

emotion, feeling, sensibility

Related Words

bloodlessness, callosity, callousness, coldness, coolness, halfheartedness, hard-heartedness, hardness, heartlessness, imperturbability, insensitivity, obduracy; blankness, deadness, emptiness, vacancy; aloofness, detachment, indifference, unconcern; stiffness, woodenness

Near Antonyms

compassion, empathy, pity, sympathy; receptiveness, receptivity, responsiveness, sensitivity; solicitude, tenderness, understanding, warmth; hand-wringing, histrionics, hysteria, hysterics, melodrama; vehemence

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence, torpor

Rhymes with PHLEGM

em, femme, gem, hem, LEM, m, mem, REM, Shem, stem, them

phlegm

noun \ˈflem\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PHLEGM

1

: the one of the four humors of ancient and medieval physiology that was believed to be cold and moist and to cause sluggishness

2

: viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages