mucilage

noun

mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij How to pronounce mucilage (audio)
1
: a gelatinous substance of various plants (such as legumes or seaweeds) that contains protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums
2
: an aqueous usually viscid solution (as of a gum) used especially as an adhesive

Examples of mucilage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Okra Okra is known for its sticky mucilage, which works as a thickening agent for stews and gumbo. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2025 But lately, a lot of growers in Latin America and Africa have begun to try out natural process beans, fermenting some of the coffee berry sugars or mucilage. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 2 Sep. 2025 The digestive process strips the mucilage from the beans and induces fermentation. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 The mucilage in bladderwrack—a gel-like substance—can benefit individuals with gastritis or indigestion by coating irritated mucous membranes along the digestive tract. Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for mucilage

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muscilage, from Late Latin mucilago mucus, musty juice, from Latin mucus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mucilage was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mucilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mucilage. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

mucilage

noun
mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij How to pronounce mucilage (audio)
1
: a jellylike substance of various plants (as seaweeds or cacti) that is similar to plant gums
2
: a water solution of a gum or similar substance used especially as an adhesive

Medical Definition

mucilage

noun
mu·​ci·​lage ˈmyü-s(ə-)lij How to pronounce mucilage (audio)
1
: a gelatinous substance of various plants (as legumes or seaweeds) that contains protein and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums
2
: an aqueous usually viscid solution (as of a gum) used in pharmacy as an excipient and in medicine as a demulcent
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