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

Endobronchial mucus means there is mucus and fluid in the deep parts of the lung or lungs, causing a bronchospasm, also known as a coughing attack, doctors said. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025

Saline nasal sprays, comprised of a mixture of sodium chloride (salt) and water, help flush out excess mucus (snot) and debris from the nasal passages while adding moisture.1 How fast does a fungal sinus infection progress? —Laura Schober, Health, 14 Apr. 2025

Specifically, short-chain fatty acids nourish the cells within your gut lining, promoting a healthy intestinal barrier and mucus production and lowering inflammation. —Beth Krietsch, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025

Infection Infections such as the common cold or influenza (the flu) cause inflammation in the airways and increase mucus production and airway sensitivity. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025

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