[flem] 
| 1. | the thick mucus secreted in the respiratory passages and discharged through the mouth, esp. that occurring in the lungs and throat passages, as during a cold. |
| 2. | one of the four elemental bodily humors of medieval physiology, regarded as causing sluggishness or apathy. |
| 3. | sluggishness, indifference, or apathy. |
| 4. | self-possession, calmness, or composure. |
| phlegm (flěm) n.
[Middle English fleume, mucous discharge, the humor phlegm, from Old French, from Medieval Latin phlegma, flegma, from Late Latin phlegma, the humor phlegm, from Greek, heat, the humor phlegm, from phlegein, to burn.] phlegm'y adj. |
phlegm (flěm)
n.
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.
| phlegm (flěm) Pronunciation Key
Thick mucus produced by the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, as during a cold or other respiratory infection. |