mucous membrane

American  

noun

1. a lubricating membrane lining an internal surface or an organ, as the alimentary, respiratory, and genitourinary canals.

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mucous membrane British  

/ ˌmjuːkəʊˈmɛmbrənəs /

noun

1. Also called: mucosa.  a mucus-secreting membrane that lines body cavities or passages that are open to the external environment

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mucous membrane Scientific  

/ myo̅o̅′kəs /

1. Any of the membranes lining the passages of the body, such as the respiratory and digestive tracts, that open to the outside. Cells in the mucous membranes secrete mucus, which lubricates the membranes and protects against infection.

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mucous membrane Cultural  

1. The membrane that lines passageways and cavities in the body that lead to the outside, such as the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, nose, vagina, and urethra. These membranes are equipped with glands that secrete mucus.

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Other Word Forms

• mucomembranous adjective

Etymology

Origin of mucous membrane

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

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

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.

From Science Daily

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

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From BBC

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

From Science Daily