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

The decreased production of mucus in the urethra has also been cited as a factor. —Laura Young, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025

By the end of the mission, 10 days after Schirra first started feeling sick, the crew’s sinuses were still plugged with mucus. —Kiona N. Smith, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Doctors removed a significant amount of mucus from his lungs and placed him on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask overnight to assist his breathing. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

Here’s how to get rid of the constant mucus drip as fast as possible, according to experts. —Katie Bowles, SELF, 25 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