phlegmy etymology

Etymology

The word "phlegmy" comes from the Greek word "phlegma," which means "mucus" or "sputum." It entered the English language in the late 16th century.

Meaning

"Phlegmy" means:

  • Relating to or characterized by mucus
  • Containing or producing mucus
  • Thick and viscous like mucus
  • Having a hoarse or congested voice due to mucus in the throat

Origin

The concept of phlegm as a bodily fluid has its roots in the ancient Greek medical theory known as the "Four Humors." According to this theory, the human body was composed of four fluids: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. Phlegm was associated with the element of water and the temperament of "cold and moist."

In medieval medicine, phlegm was believed to be one of the main causes of illness. Physicians would often prescribe "bloodletting" to remove excess phlegm from the body.

Today, we know that phlegm is simply a natural secretion produced by the body's mucous membranes to protect and lubricate them. It is not a cause of illness, but it can be a symptom of certain respiratory conditions, such as the common cold or flu.

phlegmy relate terms

  • phlegm

    Etymology The word phlegm comes from the Greek word phlegma meaning inflammation o

  • phlegmatic

    1 Etymology Greek φλεγματικός phlegmatikos Root φλέγμα phlegma

  • crispy

    Etymology The word crispy is derived from the Middle English word crispe which in tu

  • stilly

    Etymology The word stilly is derived from the Middle English word stille which in t

  • dusky

    Etymology Middle English duski from Old Norse duskr meaning dark twilight Mean

  • crusade

    Etymology Medieval Latin cruciata marked with a cross Late Latin crux cross

  • John

    Etymology Hebrew יוחנן Yōḥānān Meaning God is gracious or Yahweh i

  • justice

    Etymology and Origin of Justice Etymology The word justice derives from the Latin te

  • kindergarten

    Etymology The word kindergarten is derived from two German words Kindergarten Li

  • Rasputin

    Etymology and Meaning The name Rasputin is derived from the Russian word rasputnik w

  • calendar

    Etymology Latin calendae first day of the month Proto Indo European kwele n

  • substitution

    Etymology The word substitution comes from the Latin word substitutus which means p

  • sabbatical

    Etymology Derived from the Hebrew word shabbat meaning rest or cease Meaning

  • mercurial

    Etymology Latin mercurialis from Greek hermaion from Greek Hermes the Greek