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

It’s made with 96% snail secretion filtrate (yep, a mucus snails produce). —Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 1 Apr. 2026

The project will also generate detailed datasets on how snails move, including their interaction with mucus and surface mechanics. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026

These vibrations resonate within the sinus cavities, stimulating the surrounding tissues and encouraging natural mucus drainage. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

Most people infected with salmonella can experience a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, fever, headache, watery diarrhea that may also have blood or mucus, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, according to the CDC. —Gma Team, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026

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