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, so it refers to the substance itself, like water, air, or food.
- "Mucous" is an adjective, and adjectives describe nouns, e.g., mucous membrane.'
- Remember: mucus has an s at the end like mass, focusing on the substance.
- Mucous has an o, which you can associate with coat to remember it's describing things that are covered or lined.
- Visualize a mucous membrane secreting mucus to help remember which is which.
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