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.
Some nasal sprays contain decongestants that shrink swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, while others use saline to clear mucus and moisturize the nasal lining. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 Try eating hot soup or broth to help thin mucus, drain the sinuses, and soothe throat irritation.38 13. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025 Watch this video to learn why your body produces so much mucus and what the details say about your immune system. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025 Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer starts in the glandular cells (cells that line the bladder and make mucus). Steffini Stalos, Health, 25 Jan. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Mucus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucus. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

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

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