Associations to the word «Phlegm»

Wiktionary

PHLEGM, noun. (historical) One of the four humors making up the body in ancient and mediaeval medicine; said to be cold and moist, and often identified with mucus. [from 13th c.]
PHLEGM, noun. Viscid mucus produced by the body, later especially mucus expelled from the bronchial passages by coughing. [from 14th c.]
PHLEGM, noun. (historical) (chemistry) (alchemy) A watery distillation, especially one obtained from plant matter; an aqueous solution. [from 16th c.]
PHLEGM, noun. Calmness of temperament, composure; also seen negatively, sluggishness, indifference. [from 16th c.]

Dictionary definition

PHLEGM, noun. Apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions.
PHLEGM, noun. Expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness.
PHLEGM, noun. Inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy; "the general appearance of sluggishness alarmed his friends".

Wise words

Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.
Nathaniel Hawthorne