Mucous membrane. (Anat.) See under Membrane. -- Mucous patches (Med.),
elevated patches found in the mucous membranes of the mouth and anus,
usually due to syphilis. -- Mucous tissue (Anat.), a form of connective
tissue in an early stage of development, found in the umbilical cord
and in the embryo, and also in certain tumors called myxomata.
Mu"cous*ness, n. The quality or state of being mucous; sliminess.
||Mu"cro (?), n. [L.] (Bot. & Zoöl.) A minute abrupt point, as of a
||leaf; any small, sharp point or process, terminating a larger part or
||organ.
{ Mu"cro*nate (?), Mu"cro*na`ted (?), } a. [L. mucronatus, fr. mucro a
sharp point: cf. F. mucroné.] Ending abruptly in a sharp point;
abruptly tipped with a short and sharp point; as, a mucronate leaf. --
Mu"cro*nate*ly, adv.
Mu*cron"u*late (?), a. Having, or tipped with, a small point or points.
Mu"cu*lent (?), a. [L. muculentus, fr. mucus.] Slimy; moist, and
moderately viscous.
Mu"cus (m"ks), n. [L. mucus, muccus; cf. mucere to be moldy or musty,
Gr. my`xa 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 algæ and
other plants.