phlegm
Meanings
Plural: phlegms
Noun
- apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions
- expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness
- inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
- 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.
Origin / Etymology
From Middle English flewme, fleume, fleme, from Old French fleume, Middle French flemme (French flegme), and their source, Latin phlegma, from Ancient Greek φλέγμα (phlégma, “flame; inflammation; clammy humor in the body”), from φλέγειν (phlégein, “to burn”). Compare phlox, flagrant, flame, bleak (adjective), fulminate. Spelling later altered to resemble the word's Latin and Greek roots.
The regularly developed form /fliːm/ has been displaced by a pronunciation /flɛm/ of uncertain provenance. It may be inherited, though some kind of learned or spelling pronunciation or influence from phlegmatic is also conceivable.
Synonyms
emotionlessness, flatness, impassiveness, impassivity, indifference, languor, lethargy, sluggishness, sputum, stolidity, unemotionality
Scrabble Score: 14
phlegm is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL wordphlegm is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
phlegm is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary