mucous membrane

noun

: a membrane rich in mucous glands

specifically : one that lines body cavities and passages (as of the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract) which communicate directly or indirectly with the outside of the body : mucosa

Pruritus and congestion involving mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth are frequently observed, and swelling of the lips or tongue may impair swallowing and ventilation.

—Bruce S. Bochner et al.

Examples of mucous membrane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bug’s feces can also end up inside or near a home and then be incidentally ingested or rubbed into the skin or mucous membrane. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Advertisement New World screwworm is a type of fly that lays eggs in the open wounds or mucous membranes, such as nasal passages, of mammals and birds. —Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 26 Aug. 2025

They also may be deposited by the flies on mucous membranes like the inside of the nose or mouth. —Dave Wessner, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

And some people experience a tingling or burning sensation on their tongue after eating large amounts of fresh pineapple, adds Susie, which is bromelain breaking down specific proteins in the mucous membranes. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mucous membrane

• cyclopropane
• isobutane
• legerdemain
• nitromethane
• ultramontane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane

Kids Definition

mucous membrane

noun

: a membrane rich in mucous glands

especially : one lining body passages and cavities (as of the nose or lungs) which connect directly or indirectly with the outside

Medical Definition

mucous membrane

noun

: a moist membranous layer rich in mucous glands that lines body passages and cavities (as of the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts) which connect directly or indirectly with the exterior, that functions in protection, support, nutrient absorption, and secretion of mucus, enzymes, and salts, and that is composed of epithelium supported below by the lamina propria and sometimes by the muscularis mucosae

called also mucosa

compare serous membrane