-osus

full of, having; characterized by

Forms

-osus
-ous — English ending developed through French.
-ose — A learned English form based on the Latin suffix.

Origin

Latin -osus, a suffix attached to nouns; its deeper formation is uncertain.

Note

Usually marks a characteristic, without requiring a literal abundance of anything.

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adjective

mucous

MYOO-kuhs/ˈmjuːkəs/

Relating to or producing mucus.

The cutaway shows the moist mucous lining of the nasal cavity.

A close anatomical cutaway of a nasal cavity emphasizes its continuous pink mucous membrane and thin, clear protective moisture film, rather than loose mucus or illness.

Etymology

mucLatinslime, nasal mucus

+ousLatinfull of, having; characterized by

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

MEDICINE STUDY0:43

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.

anatomy and physiology of the mouth and throat

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