mucus

noun

mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs 

: a viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

Examples of mucus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unfortunately for this fish, crinoids don't have much nutrition and have a coating of mucus that can be toxic to fish. —James Doubek, NPR, 29 Jan. 2025

Those sickened can have chest pain, feel weak and cough up blood or mucus from the respiratory tract, according to the CDC. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 28 Jan. 2025

By releasing a small amount of progestin daily, hormonal IUDs thicken cervical mucus, forming a barrier that blocks sperm from reaching the egg. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025

Beyond obvious symptoms such as a scratchy throat and runny nose, Hur urges people to watch for changes in their sense of smell or whether their normally thin, clear mucus becomes thicker. —Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin mūcus, muccus "nasal discharge," perhaps going back to *moukos, o-grade derivative of Indo-European *(s)muk- "nasal discharge," *(s)meuk- "undo, loosen, wipe off" — more at myxo-

Note: See note at myxo-.

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

mucus

noun

mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs 

: a slippery sticky substance produced especially by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

Medical Definition

mucus

noun

mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs 

: a viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects