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

The progestin-only pill also prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus, per Mayo Clinic. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024

The researchers concluded that the average mucus shot into tissues during a cold was the pitiful amount of between zero and 30.4 grams per day. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 9 Aug. 2024

The inflammation triggers a cough that often produces mucus. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 4 July 2024

The mucus is our immune system rising to the challenge, shoving virus out of our bodies with our snot. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 9 Aug. 2024

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

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