mucus

noun

mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs 

: a viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

Examples of mucus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One type of polyp handles feeding, extending above the sand and secreting a mucus net to capture small prey. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026

These polyps extend above the sand and secrete a mucus net to capture small prey. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026

One type is responsible for feeding — these polyps extend above the sand and secrete a mucus net to capture small prey. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026

Steam thins mucus and eases congestion, per the same PMC/NIH trial. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin mūcus, muccus "nasal discharge," perhaps going back to *moukos, o-grade derivative of Indo-European *(s)muk- "nasal discharge," *(s)meuk- "undo, loosen, wipe off" — more at myxo-

Note: See note at myxo-.

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mucus

• fucus
• mucous
• caducous
• sambucus
• submucous
• verrucous

Kids Definition

mucus

noun

mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs 

: a slippery sticky substance produced especially by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

Medical Definition

mucus

noun

mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs 

: a viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects