adj
mucous
MYOO-kuhs
Mucous (adj) means relating to, or having the slippery, slimy quality of, mucus. Example: “The mucous membrane lines the inside of your nose.”
adj
1
Relating to, or having the slippery, slimy quality of, mucus.
"The mucous membrane lines the inside of your nose."
"A mucous coating protects the stomach lining from acid."
How to use mucous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe adjective form of "mucus" — describing something made of or related to that slippery bodily fluid.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the adjective "mucous" (mucous membrane) with the noun "mucus" (mucus dripped from his nose).
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more mucous
- Superlative
- most mucous
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ membrane lines the inside of your nose.
Etymology
From Latin mucosus, based on mucus.
Synonyms
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mucose
Rhymes for mucous
See all rhymes for mucous →Frequently asked questions
What does “mucous” mean?
The word “mucous” means relating to, or having the slippery, slimy quality of, mucus. In plain terms, the adjective form of "mucus" — describing something made of or related to that slippery bodily fluid.
How do you pronounce “mucous”?
“Mucous” is pronounced MYOO-kuhs (/ˈmjuːkəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “mucous” in a sentence?
Here is “mucous” used in a sentence: “The mucous membrane lines the inside of your nose.”
What part of speech is “mucous”?
“Mucous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “mucous” come from?
The word “mucous” comes from Latin. From Latin mucosus, based on mucus.
