What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rheum
Example
She woke up with rheum in her eyes. [rheum: noun]
Example
He wiped away the rheum from his nose with a tissue. [rheum: noun]
mucus
Example
The doctor said I had too much mucus in my lungs. [mucus: noun]
Example
She blew her nose to clear out the mucus. [mucus: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mucus is a more commonly used term than rheum in everyday language. Mucus is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts related to bodily fluids, while rheum is less common and refers specifically to the discharge around the eyes or nose.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rheum and mucus?
Both rheum and mucus are neutral terms that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
