Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: fleume, from Latin phlegma, from Greek, 'flame, phlegm', from phlegein 'to burn'

phlegm

 noun
     
Related topics: Human, Illness and Disability
phlegm [uncountable]
1HBH the thick yellowish substance produced in your nose and throat, especially when you have a cold [= mucus]
2 unusual calmness in worrying, frightening, or exciting situations
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
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