mucous

/'mju:kəs/

Thân thiện

The mucous membrane in the nose helps keep the air moist.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to, producing, or resembling mucus: Describes something that is of the nature of mucus, secretes mucus, or is covered with a mucus-like substance.

Usage

The adjective "mucous" is used to describe biological tissues, membranes, and glands that are involved in the production or secretion of mucus, a slippery, viscous fluid. It is a technical term common in medical and biological contexts.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The respiratory tract is lined with a mucous membrane.
  • Infections can cause an increase in mucous secretion.
  • The mucous glands help protect the stomach lining.

Advanced Usage

• "Mucous tissue": A type of connective tissue, such as Wharton's jelly in the umbilical cord, that has a soft, gelatinous consistency resembling mucus.
  • The umbilical cord contains mucous tissue that provides cushioning.

Variants and Related Words

• Mucus (noun): The slimy, viscous substance secreted by mucous membranes.
  • A runny nose is a sign of excess mucus production.
• Mucosal (adjective): Pertaining specifically to a mucous membrane.
  • The infection caused mucosal inflammation.

Synonyms

• Mucoid: Resembling mucus.
• Slimy: Having a thick, slippery consistency (less technical, can have negative connotations).

Notes on Usage

• Common Confusion: "Mucous" is an adjective, while "mucus" is a noun. A common error is using "mucus" as an adjective (e.g., "mucus membrane" is incorrect; it should be "mucous membrane").
• Technical Context: This word is primarily used in scientific, medical, and anatomical descriptions.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of or secreting or covered with or resembling mucus
   • mucous tissue
   • mucous glands of the intestine

Từ đồng nghĩa

• mucose