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

The fluid consistency of milk may allow the virus to make greater contact with mucous membranes in the throat, while cheese likely provides less exposure time for infection to begin.

Read more on Science Daily

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Science Daily

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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• viscous