the thick substance that forms in the nose and throat, especially when you have a cold 痰 the ability to remain calm in a situation that is difficult or frightening 冷静；镇定；自制力 Phlegm and perseverance carried them through many troubles. 痰和毅力使他们度过了许多难关。
Word OriginMiddle English fleem, fleume, from Old French fleume, from late Latin phlegma ‘clammy moisture (of the body)’, from Greek phlegma ‘inflammation’, from phlegein ‘to burn’. The spelling change in the 16th cent. was due to association with the Latin and Greek.