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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• mucinoid
  adjective
• mucinous
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of mucin

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

Example Sentences

"We put these modified bacteria into germ-free mice together with Akkermansia muciniphila, and surprisingly the mice did not develop constipation; the mucin stayed protected and intact."

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

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 Fisher, Irving