mucous

1 of 2

adjective

mu·​cous ˈmyü-kəs 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling mucus

2

: secreting or containing mucus

3

: covered with or as if with mucus : slimy

mucous

2 of 2

nonstandard spelling of mucus

nasal mucous

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin mucosus, from mucus

First Known Use

Adjective

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mucous

• mucous membrane

Kids Definition

mucous

adjective

mu·​cous ˈmyü-kəs 

1

: of, relating to, or resembling mucus

mucous discharges

2

: producing or containing mucus

a mucous gland

Medical Definition

mucous

adjective

mu·​cous ˈmyü-kəs 

1

: covered with or as if with mucus

a mucous surface

2

: of, relating to, or resembling mucus

a mucous secretion

3

: secreting or containing mucus

mucous glands of the intestine