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phlegm |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Phlegm \Phlegm\, n. [F. phlegme, flegme, L. phlegma, fr Gr ? a flame, inflammation, phlegm, a morbid, clammy humor in the body, fr ? to burn. Cf {Phlox}, {Flagrant}, {Flame}, {Bleak}, a., and {Fluminate}.] 1. One of the four humors of which the ancients supposed the blood to be composed. See {Humor}. --Arbuthnot. 2. (Physiol.) 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. --Crabb. 4. Sluggishness of temperament; dullness; want of interest; indifference; coldness. They judge with fury, but they write with phlegm. --Pope. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: phlegm n 1: calm and unruffled self-assurance; "he performed with all the coolness of a veteran" [syn: {coolness}, {imperturbability}, {imperturbableness}] 2: apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions [syn: {emotionlessness}, {impassivity}, {impassiveness}, {indifference}, {stolidity}, {unemotionality}] 3: expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness [syn: {sputum}]
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