Hypertext Webster Gateway: "mucus"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Mucus \Mu"cus\, n. [L. mucus, muccus; cf. mucere 8be moldy or
musty, Gr. ? mucus, and Skr. muc to release. Cf. {Match} for
striking fire, {Moist}, {Mucilage}.]
1. (Physiol.) 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.) Any other animal fluid of a viscid quality, as
the synovial fluid, which lubricates the cavities of the
joints; -- improperly so used.
3. (Bot.) A gelatinous or slimy substance found in certain
alg[ae] and other plants.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
mucus
n : protective secretion of the mucous membranes [syn: {mucous
secretion}]
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