What does mucilage mean?
Mucilage is a noun denoting a thick, sticky, gelatinous substance, especially the water-swelling polysaccharides secreted by plants. In botany, the term refers to substances produced in or on seeds, bark, and other tissues; when hydrated, these materials form a slippery gel. Mucilage also names a mucus-like secretion made by mollusks and some other animals, and it can be used more broadly for viscous material that lubricates, binds, or adheres. Everyday speakers sometimes use the word loosely for slime, though technical contexts distinguish plant mucilage from mucus, which is a physiological secretion. In cooking, mucilage is valued for its thickening and binding properties, while in biology and food science it is studied for how it changes with water, heat, and acidity. Despite its ungainly sound, the word names a distinctive material that quietly performs many physical jobs. It is useful both as a precise scientific term and as a memorable example of the hidden chemistry of seeds and other organisms.
nounA thick, sticky, gelatinous substance, especially a polysaccharide produced by plants that swells in water; also a mucus-like secretion of mollusks and some other invertebrates.
- A gelatinous, polysaccharide-rich substance produced by plants, especially in or on seeds and bark, which swells when hydrated.
- A mucus-like secretion produced by mollusks and some other invertebrates.
- A viscous or adhesive material more generally.
"After soaking overnight, the chia seeds released a clear mucilage that thickened the water."
"After soaking overnight, the chia seeds released a clear mucilage that thickened the water."
"The snail left a shining trail of mucilage across the damp leaf."
The plural is uncommon and is normally used for distinct samples, types, or quantities of mucilage.
"The botanist compared mucilages extracted from several types of seed."
Add water to chia seeds and watch plant mucilage perform a tiny gel trick.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mucilage come from?
Mucilage comes through Middle English from Latin mucilago, meaning “mucilage” or “slimy liquid.” The Latin word is related to mucus, the source of English words including mucus, mucous, mucoid, and mucic. Early English uses reflected the word’s application to both sticky plant substances and mucus-like animal secretions.
Related word forms
How mucilage is actually used
The word is formal or technical, especially in botany, zoology, and food science. Informal speakers sometimes use it loosely for ordinary slime.
Easily confused with mucilage
Plant mucilage is a gelatinous polysaccharide produced by plants, whereas mucus is a slimy physiological secretion produced by animals.