In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
PHLEGM
languor, lethargy, sluggishness, phlegm, flatness
(noun) inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy; “the general appearance of sluggishness alarmed his friends”
phlegm, sputum
(noun) expectorated matter; saliva mixed with discharges from the respiratory passages; in ancient and medieval physiology it was believed to cause sluggishness
emotionlessness, impassivity, impassiveness, phlegm, indifference, stolidity, unemotionality
(noun) apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
phlegm (usually uncountable, plural phlegms)
(historical) One of the four humors making up the body in ancient and mediaeval medicine; said to be cold and moist, and often identified with mucus. [from 13th c.]
Viscid mucus produced by the body, later especially mucus expelled from the bronchial passages by coughing. [from 14th c.]
(historical, chemistry, alchemy) A watery distillation, especially one obtained from plant matter; an aqueous solution. [from 16th c.]
Calmness of temperament, composure; also seen negatively, sluggishness, indifference. [from 16th c.]
Source: Wiktionary
Phlegm, n. Etym: [F. phlegme, flegme, L. phlegma, fr. Gr. Phlox, Flagrant, Flame, Bleak, a., and Fluminate.]
1. One of the four humors of which the ancients supposed the blood to be composed. See Humor. Arbuthnot.
2. (Physiol.)
Definition: Viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory and digestive passages.
3. (Old Chem.)
Definition: A watery distilled liquor, in distinction from a spirituous liquor. Crabb.
4. Sluggishness of temperament; dullness; want of interest; indifference; coldness. They judge with fury, but they write with phlegm. Pope.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
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25 November 2024
ONCHOCERCIASIS
(noun) infestation with slender threadlike roundworms (filaria) deposited under the skin by the bite of black fleas; when the eyes are involved it can result in blindness; common in Africa and tropical America
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