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Phlegm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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phlegm

[flem ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

Thick mucus secreted in the respiratory passages and discharged through the mouth, especially that occurring in the lungs and throat during a cold.

Synonyms

mucus, sputum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phlegm

Phlegm is used to describe a thick substance that is produced in the respiratory passages, especially during illness. It often refers to mucus drained from the back of the nose, throat, and lungs, typically when someone has a cold or an infection.

  • After a week of coughing, she started producing a lot of phlegm.
  • Drinking warm tea can help loosen phlegm in your throat.
mucus

Mucus refers to a slippery secretion produced by the mucous membranes. It can be found not just in the respiratory tract but also in other parts of the body like the digestive and reproductive systems. It can be watery, gel-like, or sticky and serves protective functions.

  • The body produces more mucus when you're sick to help trap and remove bacteria and viruses.
  • Mucus lines the stomach walls to protect them from digestive acids.
sputum

Sputum specifically refers to mucus that has been coughed up from the lower airways (lungs and bronchi). It is usually used in a medical context to diagnose respiratory conditions and can contain not only mucus but also pus, bacteria, and other particles.

  • The doctor asked for a sputum sample to check for bacterial infection.
  • Coughing up green or yellow sputum can be a sign of infection.

Examples of usage

  • His cough was accompanied by yellow phlegm.
  • She had difficulty clearing the phlegm from her throat.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A sluggish, calm temperament; not easily excited or angered.

Synonyms

calm, composed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phlegm

Phlegm is often used in a medical or literal context to describe mucus or thick fluid produced by the respiratory tract. It can also describe a person who remains calm and unemotional in difficult situations, although this usage is less common.

  • The doctor asked if you were coughing up any phlegm.
  • Despite the chaos around him, he maintained his phlegm and gave clear instructions.
calm

Calm is commonly used to describe a state of peace and tranquility, either emotionally or physically. It is often used in everyday language to suggest a lack of agitation or excitement.

  • She took a few deep breaths to stay calm before her speech.
  • The lake was calm and still, reflecting the clear sky above.
composed

Composed describes someone who is visibly in control of their emotions and behavior, especially in stressful situations. It is often used to highlight someone's poise under pressure.

  • Even with all the cameras pointed at her, she remained composed.
  • He delivered the bad news in a composed manner, ensuring everyone understood the situation.

Examples of usage

  • His phlegmatic personality made him a good mediator in conflicts.
  • She approached the situation with phlegm, staying composed under pressure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Insights

  • Phlegm is produced in your lungs and throat as a defense mechanism, helping trap germs and dust.
  • It often changes color or thickness based on infections or allergies, indicating health conditions.
  • Doctors can analyze phlegm to understand what kind of illness someone may have, like a cold or infection.

Cultural References

  • Phlegm has been referenced in various literary works to symbolize discomfort or illness.
  • In many cultures, the concept of 'humors' includes phlegm as one of the four bodily fluids, linking it to personality traits.
  • It's often humorously depicted in cartoons and movies, making it a relatable topic in comedic sketches.

Health and Hygiene

  • Humans produce about 1-2 liters of mucus daily, part of which is phlegm.
  • Staying hydrated helps thin phlegm, making it easier to clear it from your airways.
  • Certain teas and warm liquids can help soothe the throat and reduce phlegm buildup.

Linguistic Fun

  • The word has the 'gh' spelling, which is often silent in English, making it a fun phonetic challenge.
  • Many languages have unique sounds and terms for phlegm, showcasing linguistic diversity in health-related vocabulary.
  • Wordplay involving 'phlegm' can bring humor, especially in the context of cold and flu seasons.

Origin of 'phlegm'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'phlegein,' which means 'to burn,' originally thought to be related to the body's heat.
  • In ancient medicine, it was considered one of the four humors, along with blood, black bile, and yellow bile.
  • Different cultures have various terms for it, each reflecting how societies understand health and illness.

The word 'phlegm' dates back to ancient Greek medicine, where it was believed to be one of the four bodily humors, along with blood, yellow bile, and black bile. Phlegm was associated with the element of water and the qualities of cold and moist. The concept of phlegm influencing a person's temperament also emerged during this time, with phlegmatic individuals thought to be calm and unemotional. Over the centuries, the understanding of phlegm has evolved to refer specifically to mucus in the respiratory system, as well as a temperament characterized by apathy and sluggishness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,773, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.