Mucilaginous

Mucilaginous (pronunciation: myoo-si-laj-uh-nuhs) is a term used in medicine and botany to describe a thick, gluey substance produced by nearly all plants and some microorganisms. These substances are made up of polysaccharides and glycoproteins.

Etymology

The term "mucilaginous" is derived from the Latin word "mucilago" which means "musty juice". It has been used in English since the 15th century.

Related Terms

Mucilage: A thick, gluey substance produced by nearly all plants and some microorganisms.
Polysaccharide: A carbohydrate (e.g., starch, cellulose, or glycogen) whose molecules consist of a number of sugar molecules bonded together.
Glycoprotein: Any of a class of proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached to the polypeptide chain.

Usage in Medicine

In medicine, mucilaginous substances are often used for their soothing properties. They can help to soothe irritated or inflamed tissues in the body. For example, they are commonly found in cough syrups and lozenges to soothe sore throats.

Usage in Botany

In botany, mucilaginous substances are often used to store water and food in plants. They can also help to thicken cell walls and protect the plant from desiccation.