secretion

noun

se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən 

1

a

: the process of segregating, elaborating, and releasing some material either functionally specialized (such as saliva) or isolated for excretion (such as urine)

b

: a product of secretion formed by an animal or plant

especially : one performing a specific useful function in the organism

2

[secrete entry 2] : the act of hiding something : concealment

secretionary

si-ˈkrē-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Synonyms of secretion

• stashing
• hiding
• concealment
• caching

Examples of secretion in a Sentence

the secretion of stomach acids

root secretions that repel insects

Recent Examples on the Web

Experiments have shown sauna and other forms of heat therapy also cause the secretion of various hormones and boost immune cells, at least in the short-term. —Will Stone, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

Umami stimulates saliva secretion and helps with appetite. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2026

The sticky honeydew secretions can attract ants and wasps, as well as lead to sooty mold. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

These bivalves are amazing creatures – turning secretions into valuable pearls, safekeeping the ocean’s health and also being tasty on the half-shell or po’-boy. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French sécrétion, from Latin secretion-, secretio separation, from secernere to separate — more at secret

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing secretion

• hyper-secretion
• internal secretion

Rhymes for secretion

• accretion
• completion
• concretion
• deletion
• depletion
• excretion
• repletion
• carburetion
• grecian
• hypersecretion

Kids Definition

secretion

noun

se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən 

1

a

: the process of giving off a substance (as saliva)

b

: a substance produced and given off by a gland

especially : one (as an enzyme) that performs a specific useful function in the body

2

: concealment sense 1

Medical Definition

secretion

noun

se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən 

1

: the process of segregating, elaborating, and releasing some material either functionally specialized (as saliva) or isolated for excretion (as urine)

2

: a product of secretion formed by an animal or plant

especially : one performing a specific useful function in the organism