Master confusing words with ease
Mucus vs. Mucous
Mucus
/ˈmjuːkəs/Examples:
The doctor explained how mucus protects our lungs.Seasonal allergies often lead to excess mucus production.Mucus traps dust and microbes entering the nasal cavity.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Mucous
Examples:
The snail leaves a mucous trail across the pavement.Mucous membranes line various cavities within the body.During allergies, mucous production can significantly increase.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Mucus has a u, just like substance, and it refers to the slimy substance itself.
- Mucous has an o, like condition, and it describes something related to or producing mucus.
- Remember, mucous as an adjective usually describes membranes, whereas mucus is the noun for the slime.
- If you can replace the word with slime, use mucus.
- If you can replace the word with slimy, use mucous.
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