mucus

noun

mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs How to pronounce mucus (audio)
: 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 Share [Findings] Stinging water was blamed on jellyfish mucus. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023 Another mussel dangles its larvae at the end of a yard-long fishing line of mucus. Robert Kunzig, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2023 Staying hydrated also loosens the mucus in your baby's respiratory tract. Nicole Harris, Parents, 25 Aug. 2023 Nasal Polyps Nasal polyps are small, benign growths that develop from nose or sinus tissues and can cause the sinus cavities to become blocked, preventing mucus from draining and causing sinus infection. Kristin Koch, Health, 10 Nov. 2023 Drink plenty of fluids (water, clear broth, tea, etc) to help prevent dehydration and loosen mucus from nasal and air passages. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 Oct. 2023 Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus. Colby Teeman, Assistant Professor Of Dietetics and Nutrition, University Of Dayton, Fortune Well, 21 Oct. 2023 Instead, putting garlic in your nose may cause your mucus to build up and irritate your mucus membranes, increasing mucus production. Karen Pallarito, Health, 3 Sep. 2023 Anemones pack a sting, but the tiny clownfish isn’t affected thanks to a layer of mucus that protects its skin. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mucus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mucus was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near mucus

Cite this Entry

“Mucus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucus. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

mucus

noun
mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs How to pronounce mucus (audio)
: a slippery sticky substance produced especially by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

Medical Definition

mucus

noun
mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs How to pronounce mucus (audio)
: a viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

More from Merriam-Webster on mucus

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