PHLEGM


Meaning of PHLEGM in English

— phlegmless , adj.

/flem/ , n.

1. the thick mucus secreted in the respiratory passages and discharged through the mouth, esp. that occurring in the lungs and throat passages, as during a cold.

2. one of the four elemental bodily humors of medieval physiology, regarded as causing sluggishness or apathy.

3. sluggishness, indifference, or apathy.

4. self-possession, calmness, or composure.

[ 1350-1400; ME fleem flemme phlegma phlégma flame, phlegmatic humor, equiv. to phlég ( ein ) to burn + -ma resultative n. suffix ]

Syn. 3. impassivity.

Ant. 3. animation, concern.

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .