mucous

[myoo-kuhs]

adjective

1. pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling mucus.

2. containing or secreting mucus.

mucous

/ mjuːˈkɒsɪtɪ, ˈmjuːkəs, ˈmjuːkəʊs, -kəʊz /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or secreting mucus

Usage

The noun mucus is often misspelled mucous . Mucous can only be correctly used as an adjective

Other Word Forms

• mucosity noun
• nonmucous adjective
• submucous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucous¹

1640–50; < Latin mūcōsus slimy, mucous, equivalent to mūc ( us ) snot ( mucus ) + -ōsus -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucous¹

C17: from Latin mūcōsus slimy, from _mucus

Example Sentences

Inhalation of selenium vapors may also cause dizziness, fatigue, irritation of the mucous membranes and respiratory effects.

From Los Angeles Times

Coming in second place was the orange roughy, a deep-sea fish in the slimehead family - known for the mucous canals on their heads.

From BBC

Most alcohol enters the bloodstream via the mucous membrane layer of the stomach and the intestines.

From Science Daily

The disease causes tongue and mucous membrane lesions, problems with swallowing, lameness and stiffness, affecting animal welfare and leading to a reduction in milk yields.

From BBC

It is produced by staphylococci, which are typical colonizers of the skin and mucous membranes.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• viscous