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 is a noun, while mucous is an adjective.
- Mucus is the slimy substance you blow out of your nose.
- Mucous refers to the membranes that produce mucus.
- Remember that mucous membranes secrete mucus.
- Think of the ous in mucous as indicating its function, like other adjectives.
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