mucilage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “mucilage” mean?
A thick, sticky substance produced by some plants and seeds, or a similar synthetic adhesive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, sticky substance produced by some plants and seeds, or a similar synthetic adhesive.
Any gelatinous or viscous substance used as an adhesive or thickening agent. In botany, it refers to the slimy carbohydrate exudate from plants that aids in water storage and seed germination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, connotes a scientific or specialized context. May sound slightly archaic or highly specific in everyday speech.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties. Slightly more likely in British writing on botany or historical crafts.
Grammar
How to Use “mucilage” in a Sentence
The [plant/seed] secretes/produces mucilage.Mucilage is used as [an adhesive/thickening agent].To extract the mucilage from [source].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mucilage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The flax seeds will mucilage when soaked in water.
- This process causes the material to mucilage.
American English
- The chia seeds mucilage to form a gel.
- The compound is designed to mucilage upon contact with moisture.
adverb
British English
- The substance reacted mucilaginously.
American English
- The seeds swelled mucilaginously in the liquid.
adjective
British English
- The mucilaginous extract is used in traditional remedies.
- It had a distinct, mucilage quality.
American English
- The mucilaginous substance helped bind the mixture.
- Its mucilage properties make it a good thickener.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of natural product extraction, pharmaceuticals, or specialty adhesives.
Academic
Common in botany, plant physiology, food science, and historical material studies.
Everyday
Very rare. An educated speaker might use it for precision where 'glue' is too vague.
Technical
Standard term in botany for seed/plant slime, and in art restoration or certain crafts for specific natural adhesives.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mucilage”
- Misspelling as 'musilage' or 'mucilidge'.
- Using it as a general term for all sticky substances (e.g., honey or syrup).
- Pronouncing the 'g' as /g/ instead of /dʒ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While all mucilages can act as adhesives, 'glue' is a broader term for any adhesive. Mucilage specifically refers to viscous substances from plants (or synthetic analogues), often with gelling or thickening properties.
Yes, many plant mucilages are edible and used as food thickeners or dietary fibres. Examples include okra's slime, aloe vera gel, and the gel from flax or chia seeds.
Primarily, but the term can extend to synthetic substances with similar viscous, adhesive properties. However, its core meaning is tied to natural plant secretions.
In British English: /ˈmjuː.sɪ.lɪdʒ/ (MYOO-sih-lij). In American English: /ˈmjuː.sə.lɪdʒ/ (MYOO-suh-lij). The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'g' is soft (/dʒ/).
A thick, sticky substance produced by some plants and seeds, or a similar synthetic adhesive.
Mucilage is usually technical, formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MUCUsilage' – The 'MUCUs' in your nose are sticky; mucilage is a sticky plant 'mucus'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT SALIVA / NATURAL GLUE
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mucilage' MOST precisely and commonly used?