Phlegm
/flem/noun
Thick liquid produced in your nose and throat especially when you're sick.
She coughed up some phlegm.
Often appears as...
- cough up phlegm
- phlegm in throat
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Illness Related
Phlegm usually relates to being unwell, often accompanying a cough or cold.
She felt ill and noticed more phlegm than usual.
Pro Tip 2/3Viscosity
It's a thick, sticky substance, unlike the more watery mucus when not sick.
The phlegm was thick and made his throat feel clogged.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Discussion of phlegm may be considered unpleasant or impolite in some situations.
Please don’t talk about your phlegm at the dinner table!
Compare with
catarrhexpectoratemucussputum
Never forget "Phlegm"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension