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

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 notes

In 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

mucus →

Word forms

more mucous comparative, most mucous superlative

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Fill the gap

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The _____ membrane lines the inside of your nose.

Etymology

From Latin mucosus, based on mucus.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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mucose

Rhymes for mucous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

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.