Lexic.us

Definition of Phlegm

1. Noun. Apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions.

2. Noun. Expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness.

3. Noun. Inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy. "The general appearance of sluggishness alarmed his friends"

Definition of Phlegm

1. n. One of the four humors of which the ancients supposed the blood to be composed. See Humor.

Definition of Phlegm

1. Noun. (historical) One of the four humors making up the body in ancient and mediaeval medicine; said to be cold and moist, and often identified with mucus. (defdate from 13th c.) ¹

2. Noun. Viscid mucus produced by the body, later especially mucus expelled from the bronchial passages by coughing. (defdate from 14th c.) ¹

3. Noun. (historical chemistry alchemy) A watery distillation, especially one obtained from plant matter; an aqueous solution. (defdate from 16th c.) ¹

4. Noun. Calmness of temperament, composure; also seen negatively, sluggishness, indifference. (defdate from 16th c.) ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Phlegm

1. a thick mucus secreted in the air passages [n -S]

Medical Definition of Phlegm

1. 1. One of the four humors of which the ancients supposed the blood to be composed. See Humor. 2. Viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory and digestive passages. 3. A watery distilled liquor, in distinction from a spirituous liquor. 4. Sluggishness of temperament; dullness; want of interest; indifference; coldness. "They judge with fury, but they write with phlegm." (Pope) Origin: F. Phlegme, flegme, L. Phlegma, fr. Gr. A flame, inflammation, phlegm, a morbid, clammy humor in the body, fr. To burn. Cf. Phlox, Flagrant, Flame, Bleak, and Fluminate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Phlegm

phlebostenosis phlebostrepsis phlebothrombosis phlebotomies phlebotomine phlebotomise phlebotomist phlebotomists phlebotomize phlebotomus

phlebotomus fever phlebotomus fever viruses phlebotomy phlebotoxic phlebovirus phlegm (current term) phlegmagogue phlegmagogues phlegmasia phlegmasia alba dolens

phlegmasia cerulea dolens phlegmasia dolens phlegmasia malabarica phlegmatic phlegmatical phlegmatically phlegmatick phlegmatics phlegmatique phlegmatization

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