mucilage

IPA/ˈmjuː.sɪ.lɪdʒ/
IPA/ˈmjuː.səl.ɪdʒ/

mucilage — noun

  • mucilagesingular
  • mucilagesplural

1. a thick, slippery liquid that certain plants, seeds, and seaweeds naturally cont

1.名詞C2
釋義

a thick, slippery liquid that certain plants, seeds, and seaweeds naturally contain or release, which helps them keep moisture and protect their surfaces.

例句

When you soak chia seeds in water, a clear mucilage forms around each seed.

mucilage forms around [seed]: natural plant process

Beatrix cut an aloe leaf and watched thick mucilage drip from its center.

同義詞
  • plant gum

    similar chemically but 'gum' often refers to the dried, solid resin; mucilage is liquid or gel-like

  • secretory fluid

    broader and more technical; covers all plant secretions, not just sticky ones

用法筆記

Typically uncountable; use 'a type of mucilage' or 'kinds of mucilage' for individual varieties. Distinguish from sense 2 — this sense refers to the natural plant secretion, not a manufactured glue.

常見錯誤

❌The plant contains a thick mucus.
✅The plant contains a thick mucilage.
💡'mucus' is an animal/human secretion; 'mucilage' is specific to plants.
❌I bought a mucilage at the craft store.' (when referring to the plant's natural liquid)
✅The plant released its natural mucilage when cut.
💡This sense describes what plants produce, not a bottle of glue.

2. a thick sticky substance made from plant gums and used to stick paper, cardboard

2.名詞C2
釋義

a thick sticky substance made from plant gums and used to stick paper, cardboard, fabric, or other light materials together.

例句

Bilal spread mucilage across the poster with a brush, then stuck it to the wall.

spread mucilage across [surface]: application method

Before synthetic glues became common, people prepared mucilage by dissolving plant resins in warm water.

同義詞
  • glue

    everyday term for any adhesive; 'mucilage' is specifically plant-derived and now less common

  • paste

    similar consistency but often starch-based; paste is thicker and less transparent than mucilage

  • gum

    can refer to either the raw resin or the adhesive solution; 'gum arabic' is a common source of mucilage

用法筆記

Traditionally used in stationery and bookbinding contexts. In modern everyday speech, 'glue' is more common; 'mucilage' sounds old-fashioned or technical.

常見錯誤

❌I glued the broken vase with mucilage.
✅I glued the broken vase with super glue.
💡Mucilage is for paper and light materials, not heavy-duty repairs.
❌This mucilage is made from plastic.
✅This mucilage is made from plant gums.
💡True mucilage is plant-based, not synthetic.