phlegm
FLEM
/flem/
Thick viscous mucus secreted by the mucous membranes of the respiratory passages, especially during a cold.
Refers specifically to deep chest or throat mucus, distinct from light nasal fluid.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'phlegma' (inflammation), derived from 'phlegein' (to burn). Ancient Greek humorism believed excess phlegm caused cool, sluggish behavior.
Word relationships
- mucus: 'Mucus' is the general scientific term for protective fluid anywhere in the body.
- sputum: 'Sputum' is phlegm mixed with saliva ejected through coughing, used in lab testing.
Commonly confused with
- saliva: Saliva is watery digestive fluid produced by mouth glands, while phlegm comes from respiratory airways.
Word family
- phlegmatic (adjective): Having an unemotional, calm disposition (historically linked to excess phlegm).
Collocations
- cough up phlegm
- clear phlegm
- excess phlegm
- thick phlegm
Example sentences
- "Drinking warm liquid helps break up stubborn phlegm in the lungs." Health advice
Memory hook
PHLEGM rhymes with FLEM—it sticks like glue in your throat. Thick chest mucus.
When not to use
Avoid in polite mealtime conversation; it can sound unpleasant.
Fun facts
- Ancient medicine believed phlegm was one of the four bodily humors responsible for making people calm and unemotional.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.