mucus, mucous secretion
(noun) protective secretion of the mucous 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
Source: WordNet® 3.1
mucus (usually uncountable, plural mucuses)
(physiology) A slippery secretion from the lining of the mucous membranes.
Do not confuse mucous (adjective) with mucus (noun).
• phlegm
• rheum
• CUSUM
Source: Wiktionary
Mu"cus, n. Etym: [L. mucus, muccus; cf. mucere 8be moldy or musty, Gr. muc to release. Cf. Match for striking fire, Moist, Mucilage.]
1. (Physiol.)
Definition: 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.
2. (Physiol.)
Definition: Any other animal fluid of a viscid quality, as the synovial fluid, which lubricates the cavities of the joints; -- improperly so used.
3. (Bot.)
Definition: A gelatinous or slimy substance found in certain algæ and other plants.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
25 March 2025
(noun) fixation (as by a plaster cast) of a body part in order to promote proper healing; “immobilization of the injured knee was necessary”
The word “coffee” entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch “koffie,” borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish “kahve,” borrowed in turn from the Arabic “qahwah.” The Arabic word qahwah was traditionally held to refer to a type of wine.
