mucilage

noun

mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij 

1

: a gelatinous substance of various plants (such as legumes or seaweeds) that contains protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums

2

: an aqueous usually viscid solution (as of a gum) used especially as an adhesive

Examples of mucilage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Soaking chia seeds results in a gel-like coating, called mucilage, that surrounds the seeds. —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 27 Jan. 2026

The gel, called mucilage, forms on the seeds' outer layer. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 22 Jan. 2026

Each tiny seed sucks up water to form a layer of mucilage, creating a gel-like texture. —Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 14 Jan. 2026

What is sea moss good for? Sea moss is high in mucilage (a sticky substance made by plants), which can soothe irritated membranes in the respiratory tract. —Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muscilage, from Late Latin mucilago mucus, musty juice, from Latin mucus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mucilage

noun

mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij 

1

: a jellylike substance of various plants (as seaweeds or cacti) that is similar to plant gums

2

: a water solution of a gum or similar substance used especially as an adhesive

Medical Definition

mucilage

noun

mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij 

1

: a gelatinous substance of various plants (as legumes or seaweeds) that contains protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums

2

: an aqueous usually viscid solution (as of a gum) used in pharmacy as an excipient and in medicine as a demulcent