mucilage

[ myoo-suh-lij ]

noun

1. any of various, usually liquid, preparations of gum, glue, or the like, used as an adhesive.
2. any of various gummy secretions or gelatinous substances present in plants.

mucilage

/ ˈmjuːsɪlɪdʒ; ˌmjuːsɪˈlædʒɪnəs /

noun

1. a sticky preparation, such as gum or glue, used as an adhesive
2. a complex glutinous carbohydrate secreted by certain plants

Derived Forms

• ˌmuciˈlaginousness, noun
• ˌmuciˈlaginously, adverb
• mucilaginous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucilage¹

1350–1400; Middle English muscilage < Middle French musillage < Late Latin mūcilāgō a musty juice, akin to mūcēre to be musty. See mucor

Word History and Origins

Origin of mucilage¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin mūcilāgo mouldy juice; see mucid

Example Sentences

Prior to spreading it out on the plates, about 4% or 5% of thick mucilage is commonly added.

From Project Gutenberg

To effect this object the mucilage should be thick, and the tracing paper should be dampened with a sponge after it is pasted.

From Project Gutenberg

At last we seem to have a mucilage brush that is going to answer every requirement.

From Project Gutenberg

The new brush is so arranged that it does not touch the mucilage, but is held above it by a spring in the handle.

From Project Gutenberg

Impregnate the tissues with mucilage for twelve to twenty-four hours, according to size.

From Project Gutenberg