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

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages that carry air to and from the lungs and can cause coughing, mucus production, wheezing, and shortness of breath. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025

Birds with the virus will struggle to breathe, have a red mucus coming from their beaks and lose control of their muscular system. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025

This mucus also protects the body from infection by stopping bacteria from entering the uterus. —Andrea L. Braden, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025

The cells absorbed the microplastics, and mucus cells, specifically, had the highest uptake of particles. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 19 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

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