/
flɛm/
n.
- the thick viscous substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages, especially when produced in excessive quantities during a cold.
- (in medieval science and medicine) one of the four bodily humours, believed to be associated with a calm or apathetic temperament.
▸calmness of temperament.
Derivative
Etymology
ME fleem, fleume, from OFr. fleume, from late L. phlegma ‘clammy moisture (of the body)’, from Gk phlegma ‘inflammation’, from phlegein ‘to burn’.
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