|  phlegm 
 
 1. expectorated matter;
 saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages;
 in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness
 • Syn:
 sputum
 • Derivationally related forms:
 phlegmy
 • Hypernyms:
 mucus, mucous secretion
 2. inactivity;
 showing an unusual lack of energy
 - the general appearance of sluggishness alarmed his friends
 • Syn:
 languor, lethargy, sluggishness, flatness
 • Derivationally related forms:
 phlegmatic, phlegmatical, sluggish (for: sluggishness), lethargic (for: lethargy), languorous (for: languor)
 • Hypernyms:
 inactiveness, inactivity, inertia
 3. apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions
 • Syn:
 emotionlessness, impassivity, impassiveness, indifference, stolidity, unemotionality
 • Derivationally related forms:
 stolid (for: stolidity), phlegmatic, phlegmatical, impassive (for: impassiveness), impassive (for: impassivity), emotionless (for: emotionlessness)
 • Hypernyms:
 apathy
 
 
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