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“Mucous” or “Mucus”

mucous / mucus are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

mucous m·y·UW·k·ah·s

  • adjectiveof or secreting or covered with or resembling mucus.

mucus m·y·UW·k·ah·s

  • nounprotective 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.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“mucous”

  • …the hair coat, and pale mucous membranes indicative of anemia.
  • …as well as beneath the mucous membrane of the floor of…
  • …sublingual gland consists mostly of mucous acini capped with serous demilunes…
  • …on an elevated crest of mucous membrane, the plica sublingualis, formed…
  • "Mucous and purulent secretions", Guy's Hospital…
  • The palms, soles, and mucous membranes are not affected.
  • …video about John's former band Mucous Membrane, broke into the club's
  • …Former drummer of Constantine's band, "Mucous Membrane" and drug addict.
  • …chance of infection because the mucous membrane and skin are securely…
  • …soles of the feet, and mucous membranes are not affected.

“mucus”

  • …air in to assist with mucus flowing out.
  • …hold the fish despite the mucus coating.
  • Ms. Rubella Mucus is a common warthog who…
  • Ms. Mucus is voiced by Jill Talley.
  • Ms. Mucus
  • …that worm actually produces calcium-saturated mucus in the glands.
  • …to gray-green and covered in mucus, and is very sensitive to
  • …Squirrel Scouts, assisted by Ms. Mucus in leading the scout troop.
  • They secrete a mucus similar to that of the…
  • The mucus

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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