ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mucous

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈmjukəs// UK //mjˈuːkəs// mu·cous

adj. relating to mucus, which is the thick, slippery liquid your body makes to protect and lubricate parts like your nose and throat.

adj. relating to or consisting of mucus, a viscous, slippery secretion produced by mucous membranes. Typically used attributively to describe glands, membranes, or secretions.


SIMPLE

The doctor checked the patient's mucous membranes for signs of infection.

CONTEXTUAL

The body produces mucous to trap dust and bacteria before they can enter the lungs.

COMPLEX

In many amphibians, the skin acts as a mucous membrane, allowing for the exchange of gases and the absorption of moisture from the surrounding environment.

Synonyms
Origin

Naturalized from Late Latin mūcōsus, from Latin mūcus. By surface analysis, muc(us) + -ous = muco- + -ous.

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