mucus

noun

mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs How to pronounce mucus (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of water helps clear your throat of mucus and other debris that can contribute to tonsil stones. —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024 If nose-picking is a new habit, something in their nose, like excess mucus, may be causing irritation. —Amanda Rock, Parents, 30 July 2024 Hormonal IUDs release progestin to thicken cervical mucus, prevent ovulation, and thin the uterine lining. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024 The progestin hormone thickens cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mucus 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mucus was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near mucus

muculent

mucus

mud

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Mucus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucus. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

mucus

noun
mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs How to pronounce mucus (audio)
: a slippery sticky substance produced especially by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

Medical Definition

mucus

noun
mu·​cus ˈmyü-kəs How to pronounce mucus (audio)
: a viscid slippery secretion that is usually rich in mucins and is produced by mucous membranes which it moistens and protects

More from Merriam-Webster on mucus

Nglish: Translation of mucus for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of mucus for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mucus

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