protective secretion of the mucous membranes; in the gut it lubricates the passage of food and protects the epithelial cells; in the nose and throat and lungs it can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate the body through the epithelium
a plant that is native to a certain limited area; "it is an endemic found only this island"
a disease that is constantly present to a greater or lesser degree in people of a certain class or in people living in a particular location
native to or confined to a certain region; "the islands have a number of interesting endemic species"
of or relating to a disease (or anything resembling a disease) constantly present to greater or lesser extent in a particular locality; "diseases endemic to the tropics"; "endemic malaria"; "food shortages and starvation are endemic in certain parts of the world"
mistake one thing for another; "you are confusing me with the other candidate"; "I mistook her for the secretary"
make unclear, indistinct, or blurred; "Her remarks confused the debate"; "Their words obnubilate their intentions"
make unclear or incomprehensible; "The new tax return forms only confuse"
be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly; "These questions confuse even the experts"; "This question completely threw me"; "This question befuddled even the teacher"
cause to feel embarrassment; "The constant attention of the young man confused her"