Phlegm

Pronunciation: /flɛm/

Definitions of phlegm

noun a thick, sticky substance produced by the mucous membranes in the respiratory system, typically as a result of infection or irritation

Example Sentences

A1 I coughed up some phlegm this morning.

A2 When you have a cold, you may have to clear your throat of phlegm.

B1 The doctor recommended drinking plenty of water to help loosen phlegm.

B2 I could feel the phlegm in my chest when I had bronchitis.

C1 The medication helped to reduce the amount of phlegm I was producing.

C2 After weeks of coughing, the phlegm finally started to clear up.

Examples of phlegm in a Sentence

formal The doctor explained that phlegm is a thick, mucus-like substance produced by the respiratory system.

informal I hate it when I have to cough up phlegm when I'm sick.

slang I can't stand the feeling of all that phlegm in my throat.

figurative His words were like phlegm, thick and hard to swallow.

Grammatical Forms of phlegm

• past tense: phlegmed
• plural: phlegms
• comparative: more phlegmy
• superlative: most phlegmy
• present tense: phlegm
• future tense: will phlegm
• perfect tense: have phlegmed
• continuous tense: is phlegming
• singular: phlegm
• positive degree: phlegm
• infinitive: to phlegm
• gerund: phlegming
• participle: phlegming

Origin and Evolution of phlegm

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Ancient Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'phlegm' originated from the ancient Greek concept of bodily humors, specifically the humor associated with cold and moist characteristics.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the understanding of bodily humors and their influence on health evolved, leading to a more modern medical understanding of phlegm as a type of mucus produced by the respiratory system.