phlegm

phlegm definition - medical

phlegm (flĕm)

noun
  1. Thick, sticky, stringy mucus secreted by the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, as during a cold or other respiratory infection.
  2. One of the four humors of ancient and medieval physiology, thought to cause sluggishness, apathy, and evenness of temper.

Related Forms:

  • phlegmˈy adjective

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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