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

Further, detailed examination of the participants' immune responses showed not only systemic response, but responses in distant mucus membranes. —Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025

Endobronchial mucus means there is mucus and fluid in the deep parts of the lung or lungs, causing a bronchospasm, also known as a coughing attack, doctors said. —Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2025

The most prevalent bacterial genus was staphylococcus, which generally lives on human skin and in our mucus membranes. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025

Scientists have now created a new adhesive that combines the stickiness of mussel’s natural glue with the slimy, germ-repelling nature of mucus. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 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

Rhymes for mucus

• fucus
• mucous
• caducous
• sambucus
• submucous
• verrucous

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