mucus

American  

[myoo-kuhs] / ˈmyu kəs /

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.

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mucus British  

/ ˈmjuːkəs /

noun

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

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mucus Scientific  

/ myo̅o̅′kəs /

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.

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mucus Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of mucus

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

Compare meaning

How does mucus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sputum vs. mucus

Example Sentences

Because the root problem is the loss of this protective mucus rather than sluggish intestinal movement, standard laxatives and drugs designed to stimulate gut motion may not provide relief.

From Science Daily

This species produces especially sticky mucus, which is related to its diet as a predator of arthropods.

From Science Daily

"In January last year, I was using a feeding tube, but there was a lot of mucus, and he just went blue and floppy," said his mum.

From BBC

"Every organism is releasing their DNA into their respective environment" in the form of feathers, hair, scales, mucus or even faeces, Fruehe said.

From Barron's

The resulting tissue contained multiple cell types found in the human airway, including mucus producing cells and cells with cilia.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• goo
• gunk
• mud
• sludge