Mucus

['mjuːkəs] or ['mjukəs]

Definition

(noun.) protective secretion of the mucus membranes; in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium.

Editor: Maynard--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A viscid fluid secreted by mucous membranes, which it serves to moisten and protect. It covers the lining membranes of all the cavities which open externally, such as those of the mouth, nose, lungs, intestinal canal, urinary passages, etc.

(n.) Any other animal fluid of a viscid quality, as the synovial fluid, which lubricates the cavities of the joints; -- improperly so used.

(n.) A gelatinous or slimy substance found in certain algae and other plants.

Inputed by Hodge

Definition

n. the slimy fluid from the nose: the viscous fluid secreted by the mucous membrane of animals.—adjs. Mūcif′erous; Mūcif′ic; Mū′ciform.—n. Mū′cigen a substance secreted by the cells of mucous membrane converted into mucin.—adjs. Mūcig′enous Mūcip′arous secreting mucus.—n. Mū′cilage the solution of a gum in water: the gum extracted from plants.—adj. Mucilag′inous pertaining to or secreting mucilage: slimy.—n. Mū′cin an alkaline glutinous fluid forming the chief constituent of mucus.—adjs. Mūciv′orous feeding on the juices of plants; Mū′coid like mucus; Mūcopū′rulent pertaining to mucus and pus.—n. Mucos′ity.—adjs. Muco′so-sac′charine partaking of the properties of mucilage and sugar; Mū′cous like mucus: slimy: viscous; Mū′culent like mucus.—Mucous membrane (see Membrane).

Typist: Sadie