Pronunciation: [flˈɛm] (IPA) 
The word "phlegm" is spelled with the combination of the letters "ph" and "legm". This peculiar spelling is due to the Greek origin of the word. The letter "ph" in Greek represents the sound /f/ in English. The IPA phonetic transcription for "phlegm" is /flɛm/, with the "f" sound represented by "ph". This word is commonly used to describe the mucus or slime that is produced in the respiratory tract during a cold or flu.
Phlegm refers to the thick, sticky mucus that is produced by the respiratory system, particularly the lungs and throat. It is a bodily fluid that serves as a defense mechanism, protecting the airways from harmful substances such as allergens, pollutants, and bacteria.
Phlegm is typically clear and thin, but it can become thicker and more viscous when the body is fighting an infection or dealing with inflammation. This change in consistency is often observed during respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, flu, or bronchitis. It is characterized by a yellow, green, or brownish color and can be coughed up or expectorated.
The presence of phlegm indicates that there is an underlying issue within the respiratory system. It acts as a signal that there may be an infection or inflammation in the airways, which is why coughing is commonly associated with the attempt to clear the excess phlegm.
Phlegm is closely related to the mucous membranes that line the respiratory system, as these membranes produce it. It is an important mechanism to prevent microbes and foreign particles from entering the lungs and causing harm.
In summary, phlegm can be defined as the thick mucus generated by the respiratory system to safeguard against harmful substances. Its consistency and color can vary depending on the presence of infection or inflammation, and it is often expelled through coughing.
1. Mucus. 2. One of the four humors of the body, according to the ancients; these were blood, phlegm, yellow bile, or choler, and black bile, or melancholer. 3. Self-restraint, calmness, apathy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The thick viscid matter discharged by coughing; humour or temperament; coldness; sluggishness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "phlegm" has its origins in ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "phlegma" (φλέγμα), which means "inflammation" or "an inflammatory exudate". In Greek medicine, it referred to one of the bodily fluids or humors believed to be responsible for various states of health and temperament. Phlegm was associated with the element of water and considered to be cold and wet in nature. Over time, the meaning of "phlegm" became more specific, referring to the thick, sticky mucus produced in the respiratory system during illness or congestion. The word "phlegm" was then adopted into Middle English from Old French, retaining its significance in relation to respiratory secretions.
