English Dictionary
Definition of “phlegm”
phlegm (flɛm
)
Definitions
noun
- the viscid mucus secreted by the walls of the respiratory tract
- archaic one of the four bodily humours
- apathy; stolidity; indifference
- self-possession; imperturbability; coolness
Alternative Forms
ˈphlegmy adjective Word Origin
C14: from Old French fleume, from Late Latin phlegma, from Greek: inflammation, from phlegein to burn
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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self-control,
composure,
coolness,
cool,
calm,
coldness,
calmness,
equanimity,
self-assurance,
self-possession,
sangfroid,
frostiness,
level-headedness,
unflappability,
stolidness,
Usage examples
It tasted more pungent than she'd anticipated; almost meaty, in fact, with the texture of phlegm.
Clive Barker, EVERVILLE (2001)Football's hard men seem to take particular offence to a flying volley of phlegm.
Spiked (2003)People with the disease have usually smoked for a long time and develop shortness of breath, chronic cough and excess phlegm production.
Australian News Misc (2004)Austin has many qualities - phlegm , accuracy, ability to hit the seam, and the knack of making the most of his ability.
Independent (1999)His blood pressure was high, he was blue, breathless on movement and kept coughing up yellow phlegm.
Jim Leavesley, George Biro, THE MEDICAL MYSTERIES E-OMNIBUS (2001)
