Definitions

1. noun

a thick, yellowish-white mucus produced in the lungs and air passages, especially when they are inflamed, as in bronchitis or pneumonia.

“After a long bout of bronchitis, she coughed up a large amount of phlegm.”

2. noun

a person’s temperament or disposition.

“He had a phlegmatic temperament and never got upset.”

3. noun

a fluid substance, especially a liquid or semi-solid, secreted by an animal or plant, but especially by the respiratory system.

“The doctor examined the patient’s phlegm to determine the cause of the infection.”