1387,
fleem "viscid mucus" (the stuff itself and also regarded as a bodily humor), from O.Fr.
fleume (13c., Fr.
flegme), from L.L.
phlegma, from Gk.
phlegma "inflammation, heat, humor caused by heat," from
phlegein "to burn," related to
phlox (gen.
phlogos) "flame, blaze," from PIE base
*bhleg- "to burn, be hot" (cf. Skt.
bhrajate "shines," L.
fulgere "to shine,"
fulmen "lightning,"
flagrare "to burn;" see
black). Modern form is attested from c.1660. The "cold, moist" humor of the body, in medieval physiology, it was believed to cause apathy.