mucus

Everyday

1. Mucus is the thick, slimy liquid made inside the nose, throat and other parts of the body to protect them and trap dirt and germs. tree →
2. Mucus is the slime made by animals such as slugs and snails. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health: mucus in the nose traps dust and germs; we cough up mucus when we have a cold. Snails leave a mucus trail. Everyday words: snot (informal, a bit rude), phlegm, bogey (UK). Phrases: mucus trail, cough up mucus.

Examples

• Mucus in your nose traps dust and germs. tree →
• When you have a cold, your body makes more mucus. tree →
• The snail left a shiny trail of mucus. tree →
• Blow your nose into a tissue and wash your hands. tree →
• Coughing helps clear mucus from your lungs. tree →
• Frogs' skin is covered in mucus to keep it moist. tree →

Note

Uncountable: no plural. Adjective: mucous (as in "mucous membrane"). Trap: the noun is mucus, the adjective is mucous — they sound the same.