Middle English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From Old French fleume, from Latin phlegma, from Ancient Greek φλέγμα (phlégma). For the change of /ɛu̯/ to /ɛː/ before /m/, compare rewme.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈflɛu̯m(ə)/, /ˈflɛːm(ə)/

Noun

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flewme (plural flewmes)

  1. Phlegm as one of the four cardinal humours believed to influence health and mood.
  2. Phlegm, sputum or a similar mucous substance; material coughed up.
  3. A phlegmatic feeling or something that induces or causes it.
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Descendants

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  • English: phlegm (dialectal fleam)
  • Scots: fleem

References

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See also

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