mucin

American  

[myoo-sin] / ˈmyu sɪn /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Other Word Forms

• mucinoid adjective
• mucinous adjective

Etymology

Origin of mucin

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

Example Sentences

Who would have thought serums infused with snail mucin - the sticky substance they secrete - would become a part of skincare routines around the world?

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

What's more is the inflammation triggered by fiber free diets appeared to increase in reaction to the increased abundance of mucin degrading bacteria Akkermansia mucinphila and Bacteroides caccae.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2024

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 • Jan. 8, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2023

The most striking example of this occurrence is the cystoid softening of cartilage, especially of the costal cartilages of old people, the basis substance being transformed into a fluid containing mucin.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various