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

Meningococcal disease, per Cleveland Clinic, is a bacterial infection that can be spread through spit or mucus. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025

Acute and Chronic Damage In the short term, this cascade means tighter and more restricted airways, more mucus, and overall reduced lung function. —Bill Frist, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

The next steps are to collect mucus and blood samples to diagnose Mahiri’s condition and hopefully begin to treat the root cause of her respiratory distress, according to the video. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025

Keeping your child well hydrated helps thin mucus and reduce respiratory discomfort. —Rhonda Conner-Warren, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 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