Phlegm — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Phlegm
Phlegm (noun)
- viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages
- the one of the four humors in ancient and medieval physiology that was believed to be cold and moist and to cause lethargy and dullness
- dull or apathetic coldness or indifference
Word Forms of Phlegm
Derived words: phlegmy (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Phlegm
Middle English fleume, fleem, flemne "one of the four humors, temperament in which this humor is predominant (alleged to cause indolence or stolidity), bodily discharge, mucus," borrowed from Anglo-French fleume, flume, flegme (continental Old French flegme), borrowed from Late Latin phlegmat-, phlegma, borrowed from Greek phlegmat-, phlégma "flame, fire, inflammation, one of the four humors, white or colorless body secretion (as mucus, saliva)," from phleg-, stem of phlégein "to burn up, consume, kindle, fire up, (intransitive) blaze, gleam" + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix; *phleg- going back to Indo-European *bhleg- "shine, be bright," whence also, with varying ablaut, Germanic *blak- "flash, shine, burn" (see black:1), Latin fulgō, fulgere, later fulgeō, fulgēre "to shine brightly, flash, lighten" (< *bhl̥g-), Tocharian B palkäṃ "shines," pälketär "burns, glows"
First known use: 13th century
Frequently Asked Questions about Phlegm
What does "Phlegm" mean?
"Phlegm" means viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages. As a noun, it is defined as: viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages. It has 3 distinct senses.
Is "Phlegm" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Phlegm" is a noun.
How do you pronounce "Phlegm"?
"Phlegm" is pronounced /ˈflem/.
What is the origin of the word "Phlegm"?
"Phlegm" comes from Middle English fleume, fleem, flemne "one of the four humors, temperament in which this humor is predominant (alleged to cause indolence or stolidity), bodily discharge, mucus," borrowed from Anglo-French fleume, flume, flegme (continental Old French flegme), borrowed from Late Latin phlegmat-, phlegma, borrowed from Greek phlegmat-, phlégma "flame, fire, inflammation, one of the four humors, white or colorless body secretion (as mucus, saliva)," from phleg-, stem of phlégein "to burn up, consume, kindle, fire up, (intransitive) blaze, gleam" + -mat-, -ma, resultative noun suffix; *phleg- going back to Indo-European *bhleg- "shine, be bright," whence also, with varying ablaut, Germanic *blak- "flash, shine, burn" (see black:1), Latin fulgō, fulgere, later fulgeō, fulgēre "to shine brightly, flash, lighten" (< *bhl̥g-), Tocharian B palkäṃ "shines," pälketär "burns, glows". First known use: 13th century.
What words are derived from "Phlegm"?
Words derived from "Phlegm" include phlegmy (adjective).