mucin

American  

[myoo-sin] / ˈmyu 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

Etymology

Origin of mucin

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

Example Sentences

A second genetic region included several mucin genes that help form the gut's protective mucus layer and was associated with bacteria from the Firmicutes group.

From Science Daily

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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Innermost is the mucin layer that attracts water and helps to spread the tear film over the surface of the cornea.

From New York Times