What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mucus
Example
The cold caused her to produce a lot of mucus. [mucus: noun]
Example
He was coughing up green mucus from his lungs. [mucus: noun]
fluid
Example
The mechanic checked the fluid levels in the car's engine. [fluid: noun]
Example
She had a fever and needed to drink more fluids to stay hydrated. [fluids: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fluid is a more common term than mucus and is used in a wide range of contexts, including scientific and medical language. Mucus is a more specialized term that is primarily used in medical contexts or when discussing specific bodily functions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mucus and fluid?
Fluid is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while mucus is typically used in more technical or medical settings and may be less appropriate in casual conversation.