[ flɛm ]
■ noun
1》 the thick viscous substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages, especially when produced in excessive quantities during a cold.
2》 (in medieval science and medicine) one of the four bodily humours, believed to be associated with a calm or apathetic temperament.
↘calmness of temperament.
Derivatives
~y adjective
Origin
ME fleem , fleume , from OFr. fleume , from late L. ~a 'clammy moisture (of the body)', from Gk ~a 'inflammation', from phlegein 'to burn'.