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

Literary usage of Phlegm

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Homoeopathic domestic medicine by Joseph Laurie (1883)
"... and cough, -with expectoration of yellowish phlegm— or cough induced hy яп irritation in the windpipe, and which is most prevalent in the morning, ..."

2. Caloric: Its Mechanical, Chemical, and Vital Agencies in the Phenomena of Nature by Samuel Lytler Metcalfe (1843)
"That the phlegm of Hippocrates was not merely the secretion termed mucus, but included ... Finally, he supposed that phlegm was cold aud moist, because, ..."

3. The London Medical and Physical Journal (1828)
"phlegm very viscid, and of a yellow colour; pulse much the same ; urine less ... Has expectorated more phlegm than yesterday, and it is more streaked with ..."

4. The Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica: A Record of the Positive Effects of by Timothy Field Allen (1879)
"... cough, with the expectoration of phlegm in the morning; frequent dry short cough, after dinner (forty- eighth day); occasional coughing up of phlegm, ..."

5. A Lifelong Passion: Nicholas and Alexandra: Their Own Story by Andrei Maylunas (2005)
"Smokers with morning phlegm at enrollment, who changed to filter cigarettes during the follow-up, had a probability ratio of 1.9 of phlegm production ..."

6. Homoeopathic Therapeutics by Samuel Lilienthal (1879)
"frequent dry cough after meals ; frequent hemming and bringing up small firm lumps of phlegm, without cough ; rattling of phlegm in chest, worse mornings ..."

7. The History of England: From the Revolution in 1688 to the Death of George by Tobias George Smollett (1800)
"... phlegm ; faying, it contained matter of very great moment : and he would take care that all treaties he made ..."

Other Resources: