phlegm
/flɛm/ · noun
Meaning
- 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.
- Viscid mucus produced by the body, later especially mucus expelled from the bronchial passages by coughing.
- A watery distillation, especially one obtained from plant matter; an aqueous solution.
- Calmness of temperament, composure; also seen negatively, sluggishness, indifference.
Etymology / origin
No prose etymology has been added yet.
No ancestor words have been linked yet.
Related words
Descendant words
No descendant words have been linked yet.