mucin

[ myoo-sin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of glycoproteins found in saliva, gastric juice, etc., that form viscous solutions and act as lubricants or protectants on external and internal surfaces of the body.

mucin

/ ˈmjuːsɪn /

noun

1. biochem any of a group of nitrogenous mucoproteins occurring in saliva, skin, tendon, etc, that produce a very viscous solution in water

Derived Forms

• ˈmucinous, adjective

Other Words From

• mucin·oid adjective
• mu·ci·nous [myoo, -s, uh, -n, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucin¹

First recorded in 1825–35; muc- + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucin¹

C19: via French from Latin mucus

Example Sentences

After a snail mucus skin care boom in South Korea, the product—also referred to as snail mucin or secretion—was widely shared on social media.

From National Geographic

One particular item took off — a snail mucin essence from popular Korean brand COSRX.

From Los Angeles Times

Even if the tear supply is adequate, a mucin deficiency can impede wetting of the cornea and damage its surface.

From New York Times

A lung secretion induces mucus production, and the researchers began by testing its individual components to see which ones upregulated the genes for the proteins mucin 5B and mucin 5AC — two major constituents of mucus.

From Nature

And in the intestine, yet another mucin — MUC2 — is the main player.

From Scientific American