|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| phlegm [ flem ] |
noun |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. thick mucus: the thick mucus secreted by the walls of the respiratory passages, especially during a cold
|
2. unflappability: calmness or composure that is not easily disturbed
|
3. bodily fluid determining health and emotions: in medieval medicine, one of the four basic bodily fluids humors. Phlegm was believed to be cold and moist in nature and to cause sluggishness and apathy.
|
| [14th century. Via French< late Latin phlegma "clammy bodily moisture" < Greek, "inflammation, heat" < phlegein "to burn"] |
|
 phlegm·y adjective |
|
|
|
|
