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

Share [Findings] Stinging water was blamed on jellyfish mucus. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024

Surrounded by sperm inside a mucus shell, the pink bundles are no bigger than a piece of quinoa, Zimmerman said. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 24 Sep. 2024

These bumps often occur alongside pharyngitis (sore throat) and are caused by irritation and inflammation due to excess mucus in your throat. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 21 Sep. 2024

Irritated mucus membranes can cause often debilitating cough seizures, said Vanderbilt’s Schaffner. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 21 Sep. 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