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mucus vs phlegm

phlegm vs mucus

mucus and phlegm both are nouns.

Word NounAdjectiveVerbAdverb
mucus Yes No No No
phlegm Yes No No No
As nouns, phlegm is a hyponym of mucus; that is, phlegm is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than mucus:
  • mucus: protective secretion of the mucous membranes; in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium
  • phlegm: expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness
Other hyponyms of mucus include sputum, snot, booger, leucorrhea, leukorrhea.
mucus (noun) phlegm (noun)
protective secretion of the mucous membranes; in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness
apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions
Difference between mucus and phlegm

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