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

Etymology

Origin of mucin

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mucin

First, B. thetaiotaomicron produces enzymes that remove sulfate groups attached to mucin.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 19, 2026

Who would have thought serums infused with snail mucin - the sticky substance they secrete - would become a part of skincare routines around the world?

From BBC ● Jan. 2, 2026

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

They contain a thick glairy fluid, which differs from saliva in containing a considerable quantity of mucin and albumin, while it is free from any amylolytic ferment or sulpho-cyanide of potassium.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander