adjective
mucous
MYOO-kuhs/ˈmjuːkəs/
Relating to or producing mucus.
The cutaway shows the moist mucous lining of the nasal cavity.
Etymology
The pieces convey “full of slime,” giving the adjective its sense of containing or resembling mucus. Applied to internal membranes, it identifies them through the mucus they secrete.
In context
The oral cavity is lined with mucous membrane called oral mucosa, which is soft and moist. It covers the inner surfaces of the cheeks, gums, and the underside of the tongue.
More examples
- Mucous glands help keep the surface moist.
- The diagram labels the mucous lining of the passage.
- Irritation affects the delicate mucous tissue.
Forms
mucous