mucin

noun

mu·​cin ˈmyü-sᵊn How to pronounce mucin (audio)
: any of various mucoproteins that occur especially in secretions of mucous membranes
mucinous
ˈmyü-sᵊn-əs How to pronounce mucin (audio)
ˈmyüs-nəs
adjective

Examples of mucin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, Bifidobacterium both eats and produces mucin, while Akkermansia only consumes it. — Ashutosh Mangalam, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025 Snail mucin is known to repair, hydrate and improve elasticity, which is especially beneficial for aging skin. — Maria Correa, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025 Thiols are also present in mucus proteins, called mucins, so the team wanted to see if the two could link up. — Michael Irving, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025 Both types of bacteria consume mucin, a substance that protects the gut lining. — Ashutosh Mangalam, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mucin

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary muc-

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mucin was in 1838

Rhymes for mucin

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mucin
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Cite this Entry

“Mucin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucin. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

mucin

noun
mu·​cin ˈmyüs-ᵊn How to pronounce mucin (audio)
: any of a group of mucoproteins that are found in various human and animal secretions and tissues (as in saliva, the lining of the stomach, and the skin) and that are white or yellowish powders when dry and viscid when moist
gastric mucin

More from Merriam-Webster on mucin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mucin

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