mucus

[myoo-kuhs]

noun

1. a viscous, slimy mixture of mucins, water, electrolytes, epithelial cells, and leukocytes that is secreted by glands lining the nasal, esophageal, and other body cavities and serves primarily to protect and lubricate surfaces.

mucus

/ ˈmjuːkəs /

noun

1. the slimy protective secretion of the mucous membranes, consisting mainly of mucin

mucus

1. The slimy, viscous substance secreted as a protective lubricant by mucous membranes. Mucus is composed chiefly of large glycoproteins called mucins and inorganic salts suspended in water.

mucus

1. A slippery and somewhat sticky fluid secreted by the glands in mucous membranes. Mucus lubricates and protects the mucous membranes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucus¹

1655–65; < Latin mūcus snot; akin to Greek myktḗr nose, mýxa slime

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucus¹

C17: from Latin: nasal secretions; compare mungere to blow the nose; related to Greek muxa mucus, muktēr nose

Example Sentences

Open wounds are a danger, and mucus membranes can also be infested, such as inside the nose, according to the CDC.

From Los Angeles Times

Within hours she was coughing up mucus, and as the days went on she felt her energy levels rising again.

From BBC

Prosecutors said the couple considered themselves “vegan mucus-free fruitarians,” which appears to refer to belief in a diet aimed at removing mucus from the body.

From Los Angeles Times

The intestines shed their lining periodically, which produces a mucus that can be visible in stool and may be misidentified as a parasite, he explained.

From Salon

Her team pays attention to other stress markers, such as that they secrete mucus when biologically stressed.

From Salon

Related Words

• goo 
• gunk 
• mud 
• sludge