phlegm vs mucus
mucus vs phlegmphlegm and mucus both are nouns.
| Word | Noun | Adjective | Verb | Adverb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| phlegm | Yes | No | No | No |
| mucus | Yes | No | No | No |
As nouns,
mucus is a hypernym of
phlegm; that is, mucus is a
word with a broader meaning than phlegm:
- phlegm: expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness
- 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
Other hypernyms of phlegm include
mucous secretion.
| phlegm (noun) | mucus (noun) |
|---|---|
| inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy | 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 |
| 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 |
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