mucin

[ myoo-sin ]

/ ˈmyu sɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

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.

Nearby words

mucigel, mucigen, mucigenous, mucilage, mucilaginous, mucin, mucinase, mucinemia, mucinogen, mucinoid, mucinosis

Origin of mucin

First recorded in 1825–35; muc- + -in²

Related forms

mu·cin·oid, adjectivemu·ci·nous

[myoo-suh-nuh s] /ˈmyu sə nəs/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for mucin

The nest-substance, as he unhesitatingly states, is composed of mucin, or of a body closely related to it.
The Solomon Islands and Their Natives|H. B. (Henry Brougham) Guppy
In mucous tissue, however, there is present mucin, wholly independent of any epithelial degeneration.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various
This fibrillation of mucus is regarded as the result of a coagulation of its mucin, previously held in solution by an alkali.
A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I|Various
From these and other tests used the conclusion was reached that these membranes were composed essentially of mucin.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II|Various

A tumor of stellate or polyhedral cells in a matrix of mucin.
Surgery, with Special Reference to Podiatry|Maximilian Stern

British Dictionary definitions for mucin

mucin

/ (ˈmjuːsɪn) /

noun

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

Derived Forms

mucinous, adjective

Word Origin for mucin

C19: via French from Latin mucus

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for mucin

mucin

[ myōō′sĭn ]

n.

Any of a group of glycoproteins found especially in the secretions of mucous membranes.

Related forms

mu′cin•ous adj.