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

Okra Okra is known for its sticky mucilage, which works as a thickening agent for stews and gumbo. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 2023

When combined with water, mucilage forms a gel-like consistency. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 25 Aug. 2023

Additionally, because of the presence of mucilage, certain medications may have limited absorption if taken in combination with slippery elm. —Allison Knott Ms, Rdn, Cssd, Cdn, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2023

In addition to making gumbo naturally creamy and delicious, that liquid, called mucilage, is particularly good at helping cholesterol to leave the body through stool. —Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 14 June 2023

Sea moss is rich in mucilage, which is a substance that can help to expel mucus from the body. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

The mucilage supports bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plant can use. —Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, 1 Jan. 2019

Emulsifying agents in the condiment, such as the pectin rhamnogalacturonan, originate from the mucilage of mustard seeds, a thick, glutinous layer that surrounds the seed hull. —Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2015

The more interesting question is why textures beloved by many cultures came to be shunned by Americans: the prolonged chewiness of tripe; the tendon turned to jelly in a bowl of pho; the thick slickness of okra, leaking its mineral-rich mucilage. —Ligaya Mishan Esther Choi, New York Times, 8 May 2023

See More

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