adjective
Usage
The noun mucus is often misspelled mucous . Mucous can only be correctly used as an adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of mucous
1640–50; < Latin mūcōsus slimy, mucous, equivalent to mūc ( us ) snot ( see mucus) + -ōsus -ous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instead, larvae can enter wounds or mucous membranes, where they must be removed quickly to limit further damage to the surrounding tissue.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 2026
The chemical is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans, and can cause respiratory and neurological symptoms with exposure, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
From BBC ● May 25, 2026
The EPA says methyl methacrylate is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans.
From Barron's ● May 24, 2026
William, who Rona chirpily informs us has “a rare mucous membrane disorder,” is happy to get “lugubrious”: “Meaning extremely sad and droopy? A topic I am all too familiar with.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 24, 2025
At Easter high mass I was dizzied by the mucous perfume of white flowers at the celebration of rebirth.
From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
