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 • Dec. 23, 2025

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

This fibrillation of mucus is regarded as the result of a coagulation of its mucin, previously held in solution by an alkali.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various