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

These mutations lead to thick mucus buildup in the lungs, resulting in chronic infections and long-term lung damage.

Read more on Science Daily

She sees many children in her class who she thinks would probably be better off at home: “Kids with a lot of green and yellow mucus. We’ve had kids with active lice in school.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That virus can transmit through an infected person’s saliva and mucus and likely spreads “when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches a surface that is then touched by others,” the CDC said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It's meant to break up sputum, but kids under two can't spit it out, so the mucus can be aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia - yet it is still prescribed."

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• goo 
• gunk 
• mud 
• sludge