Apophlegmatic

/ˌæpəflegˈmætɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a remedy or substance intended to help remove phlegm from the body, based on ancient medical theory.

Etymology

Combines apophlegm with the -atic suffix, creating an adjective form used in medical texts from the 16th-18th centuries to describe treatments for phlegm.

Kelly Says

Medieval physicians would describe herbs and potions as 'apophlegmatic' the way we might say 'antibiotic' today—they were describing what they thought the medicine did based on their theory of the body.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.