mucous

[ myoo-kuhs ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling mucus.
2. containing or secreting mucus.

mucous

/ mjuːˈkɒsɪtɪ; ˈmjuːkəs; ˈmjuːkəʊs; -kəʊz /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or secreting mucus

Usage

The noun mucus is often misspelled mucous . Mucous can only be correctly used as an adjective

Derived Forms

• mucosity, noun

Other Words From

• mu·cos·i·ty [myoo-, kos, -i-tee], noun
• non·mucous adjective
• sub·mucous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucous¹

1640–50; < Latin mūcōsus slimy, mucous, equivalent to mūc ( us ) snot ( mucus ) + -ōsus -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucous¹

C17: from Latin mūcōsus slimy, from mucus

Example Sentences

This inherited syndrome is caused by a deficiency in a gene that keeps the immune system's T cells from attacking cells of the body, leading to autoimmunity; chronic yeast infections in the skin, nails, and mucous membranes; and insufficient production of hormones from endocrine organs, such as the adrenal glands.

From Science Daily

Most alcohol enters the bloodstream via the mucous membrane layer of the stomach and the intestines.

From Science Daily

The disease causes tongue and mucous membrane lesions, problems with swallowing, lameness and stiffness, affecting animal welfare and leading to a reduction in milk yields.

From BBC

The ETH researchers came up with the idea for the new device while previously developing something else: a suction cup that transports medication into the blood via the mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth.

From Science Daily

It is produced by staphylococci, which are typical colonizers of the skin and mucous membranes.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• viscous