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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The three stages of a whooping cough infection are the catarrhal phase (inflammation of the mucus membranes) that lasts for the first week or two. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 Children often first show signs of malaise and a fever, followed later by reddish, irritated eyes, a cough and a stuffy nose as the mucus membranes and nasal passages become inflamed. Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 The salt water opens the nasal passages by clearing out thick and dried mucus. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 May 2025 His cast includes manatees who use flatulence to control their buoyancy and cave dwelling fungus gnats that create beautiful, illuminated fly-traps from the mucus lit by their bioluminescent butts. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for mucus

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mucus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucus. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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

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