1. thick mucus produced in the respiratory passages, especially when someone is sick
Usage: medical
2. calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations
Usage: formal; from ancient medicine

Examples

• The cold caused him to cough up phlegm.
• She took medicine to help clear the phlegm from her chest.
• The doctor examined the patient’s phlegm for signs of infection.
• His phlegm in the face of criticism impressed everyone.
• She handled the emergency with remarkable phlegm.
• The thick phlegm made it difficult for him to breathe clearly.