Phlegm

Pronunciation: /ˈflɛm/

Phlegm (noun)

  1. Thick, sticky mucus made in the throat and airways, often coughed up when you have a cold.
  2. Mucus that collects in the lungs or breathing tubes, which can make coughing harder.
  3. In older medical beliefs, one of the body fluids thought to affect health and mood.

Examples

  • She cleared her throat because phlegm felt stuck.
  • The doctor asked about phlegm in my throat.