mucous

[myoo-kuhs]

adjective

1. pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling mucus.

2. containing or secreting mucus.

mucous

/ mjuːˈkɒsɪtɪ, ˈmjuːkəs, ˈmjuːkəʊs, -kəʊz /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or secreting mucus

Usage

The noun mucus is often misspelled mucous . Mucous can only be correctly used as an adjective

Other Word Forms

• mucosity noun
• nonmucous adjective
• submucous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucous¹

1640–50; < Latin mūcōsus slimy, mucous, equivalent to mūc ( us ) snot ( mucus ) + -ōsus -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucous¹

C17: from Latin mūcōsus slimy, from _mucus

Example Sentences

Inhalation of selenium vapors may also cause dizziness, fatigue, irritation of the mucous membranes and respiratory effects.

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Coming in second place was the orange roughy, a deep-sea fish in the slimehead family - known for the mucous canals on their heads.

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Most alcohol enters the bloodstream via the mucous membrane layer of the stomach and the intestines.

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The disease causes tongue and mucous membrane lesions, problems with swallowing, lameness and stiffness, affecting animal welfare and leading to a reduction in milk yields.

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It is produced by staphylococci, which are typical colonizers of the skin and mucous membranes.

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Related Words

• viscous