mucilage

noun

mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij 

1

: a gelatinous substance of various plants (such as legumes or seaweeds) that contains protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums

2

: an aqueous usually viscid solution (as of a gum) used especially as an adhesive

Examples of mucilage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The digestive process strips the mucilage from the beans and induces fermentation. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

During fermentation, natural enzymes and microorganisms break down the sugars and proteins in the mucilage, modifying the beans’ acidity, sweetness, and overall flavor profile. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

The two primary methods are the washed (wet) process, where cherries are pulped, fermented, and washed to remove the mucilage before drying, and the natural (dry) process, where cherries are dried whole with the fruit intact, allowing the beans to absorb fruity flavors. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

During fermentation, natural enzymes and microorganisms break down the sugars and proteins in the mucilage, modifying the beans’ acidity, sweetness, and overall flavor profile. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muscilage, from Late Latin mucilago mucus, musty juice, from Latin mucus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mucilage

noun

mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij 

1

: a jellylike substance of various plants (as seaweeds or cacti) that is similar to plant gums

2

: a water solution of a gum or similar substance used especially as an adhesive

Medical Definition

mucilage

noun

mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij 

1

: a gelatinous substance of various plants (as legumes or seaweeds) that contains protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums

2

: an aqueous usually viscid solution (as of a gum) used in pharmacy as an excipient and in medicine as a demulcent