phlegm

noun

ˈflem 

1

: viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages

2

: the one of the four humors (see humor sense 2c) in ancient and medieval physiology that was believed to be cold and moist and to cause lethargy and dullness

3

a

: dull or apathetic coldness or indifference

b

: intrepid coolness or calm fortitude

phlegmy

ˈfle-mē 

adjective

Synonyms

• affectlessness
• apathy
• emotionlessness
• impassiveness
• impassivity
• insensibility
• numbness

Examples of phlegm in a Sentence

He displayed remarkable phlegm in very dangerous conditions.

a man of remarkable phlegm, never showing enthusiasm nor displeasure

Recent Examples on the Web

Baby wet cough: A wet cough causes phlegm or mucus (which contains white blood cells to help fight germs) to form in the baby's airways. —Evan Forster, Parents, 17 June 2024

Depending on what those results show, the next step can be a blood test or a phlegm sample. —Melody Schreiber, NPR, 2 May 2024

For example, something as simple as coughing up phlegm is exponentially more difficult and exhausting for a quadriplegic than for most non-disabled people. —Andrew Pulrang, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

What are the symptoms of active TB? Symptoms include a bad cough that lasts three or more weeks, pain in the chest and coughing up blood or phlegm. —Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fleume, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin phlegmat-, phlegma, from Greek, flame, inflammation, phlegm, from phlegein to burn — more at black entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

phlegm

noun

ˈflem 

1

: thick mucus produced in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages

2

a

: cold indifference

b

: calm fortitude

phlegmy

ˈflem-ē 

adjective

Medical Definition

phlegm

noun

ˈflem 

1

: viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages

2

: the one of the four humors (see humor sense 2) of ancient and medieval physiology that was believed to be cold and moist and to cause lethargy and dullness