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Definition of phlegmy

phlegmy

/ˈflɛm.i/
phlegm · y
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phlegmy Lexical Profile

phlegmy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Containing, producing, or resembling thick mucus (phlegm) in the throat or respiratory passages; congested.

Example

"The patient developed a deep, phlegmy cough after catching a winter cold."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for phlegmy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for phlegmy

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'phlegmy' refers strictly to physical mucus in the respiratory tract, 'phlegmatic' describes a calm, unemotional temperament (derived from the ancient belief that excess phlegm caused sluggishness).

• Rhymes for phlegmy

• Nearby Words

phishing
phlebotomist
phlegm
phlegmy
phlomis
phlox
phnom penh

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from the noun 'phlegm' plus the adjectival suffix '-y', tracing back via Old French and Latin to Ancient Greek 'phlegma', meaning inflammation or humor caused by heat.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Phlegmy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/phlegmy
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