phlegm
/flem/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A thick, sticky substance produced by the respiratory system: This refers to mucus that is coughed up from the throat or lungs, especially when one is ill.
- Calmness and composure of temperament; sluggishness or apathy: This refers to a state of being unemotional, calm to the point of seeming uninterested or lazy. This meaning originates from the ancient and medieval theory of the four bodily humors, where phlegm was believed to cause a sluggish, unemotional disposition.
Examples of Usage
- Referring to mucus:
- A persistent cough can produce a lot of phlegm.
- The doctor asked him about the color of his phlegm.
- Referring to temperament:
- He accepted the bad news with remarkable phlegm.
- Her phlegm in the face of chaos was both admirable and frustrating.
Advanced Usage
- "To cough up phlegm": This is a common phrase describing the physical act of expelling mucus from the lungs or throat.
- It's important to cough up phlegm rather than swallow it when you have a chest infection.
- "Stoic phlegm": Used to describe an extreme, almost philosophical calmness and lack of emotional reaction.
- The soldier faced danger with stoic phlegm.
Variants and Related Words
- Phlegmatic (adj): Having a calm, sluggish, unemotional temperament.
- His phlegmatic nature meant he never seemed to get stressed.
Synonyms
- For mucus: Sputum, mucus, expectoration.
- For temperament: Apathy, impassivity, stolidity, indifference, calmness, composure.
Antonyms
- For temperament: Passion, excitability, agitation, emotionality.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "As cool as a cucumber": While not containing the word "phlegm," this idiom conveys a similar idea of remaining very calm and composed, akin to having phlegm.
- Even during the emergency, she was as cool as a cucumber.
Noun
- inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
- the general appearance of sluggishness alarmed his friends
- expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness
- apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions