Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [flem]
- /flɛm/
- /flem/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [flem]
- /flɛm/
Definitions of phlegm word
- noun phlegm the thick mucus secreted in the respiratory passages and discharged through the mouth, especially that occurring in the lungs and throat passages, as during a cold. 1
- noun phlegm one of the four elemental bodily humors of medieval physiology, regarded as causing sluggishness or apathy. 1
- noun phlegm sluggishness, indifference, or apathy. 1
- noun phlegm self-possession, calmness, or composure. 1
- noun phlegm mucus 1
- noun phlegm calmness, composure 1
Information block about the term
Origin of phlegm
First appearance:
before 1350 One of the 20% oldest English words
1350-1400; Middle English fleem < Middle French flemme < Late Latin phlegma < Greek phlégma flame, phlegmatic humor, equivalent to phlég(ein) to burn + -ma resultative noun suffix
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Phlegm
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
phlegm popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 85% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
phlegm usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for phlegm
noun phlegm
- ataraxia — calmness or peace of mind; emotional tranquillity
- ataraxy — a state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety; tranquillity.
- disinterest — absence of interest; indifference.
- drowsiness — half-asleep; sleepy.
- impassivity — without emotion; apathetic; unmoved.
Antonyms for phlegm
noun phlegm
- caring — If someone is caring, they are affectionate, helpful, and sympathetic.
Top questions with phlegm
- how to get rid of phlegm?
- what is phlegm?
- how to cough up phlegm?
- how to get rid of phlegm in throat?
- what causes phlegm?
- how to spell phlegm?
- what does phlegm mean?
- how to remove phlegm?
- how to cough up phlegm stuck in throat?
- what happens when you swallow phlegm?
- where does phlegm come from?
- how to get phlegm out of your throat?
- how to get phlegm out of throat?
- how to get rid of phlegm in your throat?
- what causes you to cough up phlegm?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with p
- Words starting with ph
- Words starting with phl
- Words starting with phle
- Words starting with phleg
- Words starting with phlegm