phlegm

Noun
US[flem]/flɛm/1 syllable
Synonyms: emotionlessnessimpassivityimpassivenessindifferencestolidityunemotionalitysputumlanguorlethargysluggishnessflatness

Open English WordNet

Noun (3)

  1. apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactionsSynonyms: emotionlessnessimpassivityimpassivenessindifferencestolidityunemotionalityType of apathy
  2. expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishnessSynonyms: sputumType of mucus, mucous secretion
  3. inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy“the general appearance of sluggishness alarmed his friends”Synonyms: languorlethargysluggishnessflatnessType of inactiveness, inactivity

Related words phlegmy adjective, phlegmatic adjective, phlegmatical adjective

Word of the day · Oct 19About this word
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Phlegm (flĕm), noun

Origin: F. phlegme, flegme, L. phlegma, fr. Gr. φλέγμα a flame, inflammation, phlegm, a morbid, clammy humor in the body, fr. φλέγειν to burn. Cf. Phlox, Flagrant, Flame, Bleak, adjective, and Fluminate.

1. One of the four humors of which the ancients supposed the blood to be composed. See Humor. John Arbuthnot

2. Physiology Viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory and digestive passages.

3. Old Chem. A watery distilled liquor, in distinction from a spirituous liquor. George Crabb

4. Sluggishness of temperament; dullness; want of interest; indifference; coldness.

They judge with fury, but they write with phlegm.— Alexander Pope

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

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