mucin

American  

[myoo-sin] / ˈmju sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of glycoproteins found in saliva, gastric juice, etc., that form viscous solutions and act as lubricants or protectants on external and internal surfaces of the body.

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mucin British  

/ ˈmjuːsɪn /

noun

1. biochem any of a group of nitrogenous mucoproteins occurring in saliva, skin, tendon, etc, that produce a very viscous solution in water

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Other Word Forms

• mucinoid
  adjective
• mucinous
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of mucin

First recorded in 1825–35; muc- + -in ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mucin

The experiment showed that when the sulfatase enzyme was disabled, the bacteria could no longer break down mucin.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 19, 2026

K-beauty products are often more attractively priced than their Western counterparts - but also feature ingredients that are not as commonly found in the West - from heartleaf to snail mucin.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2025

After a snail mucus skin care boom in South Korea, the product—also referred to as snail mucin or secretion—was widely shared on social media.

From National Geographic ● Jan. 8, 2024

One particular item took off — a snail mucin essence from popular Korean brand COSRX.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2023

Alkaline washes are very superficial in their action, however, while fruit acids curdle and thus render removable the mucin plaques and prevent the formation of tartar.

From How to Live Rules for Healthful Living Based on Modern Science by Irving Fisher

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