excreta

plural noun

ex·​cre·​ta ik-ˈskrē-tə How to pronounce excreta (audio)
: waste matter (such as feces) eliminated or separated from the body
excretal adjective

Examples of excreta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Whale excreta may stimulate phytoplankton growth and capture atmospheric CO2; such indirect pathways represent the greatest potential for whale-carbon sequestration but are poorly understood. James Freeman, WSJ, 20 Dec. 2022 Monster is living in a year or more of his own excreta, nearly a foot deep. Gene Weingarten, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2021 In this particular case, the Inspiration4 crew, however, did not notice any excreta floating around the cabin because the leakage was still relegated to contained areas underneath the floor, Gerstenmaier said. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 26 Oct. 2021 State inspectors found excessive excreta, dirt and grime, and lack of proper cleaning at facility previously found with a bleeding dog (repeat offender). Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, 11 May 2021 Previous research has shown that toilet flushes can generate germ-laden aerosols from the excreta, the China CDC scientists said. Jason Gale, Bloomberg.com, 28 Aug. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excreta.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of excretus

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excreta was in 1757

Dictionary Entries Near excreta

Cite this Entry

“Excreta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excreta. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

excreta

noun plural
ex·​cre·​ta ek-ˈskrēt-ə How to pronounce excreta (audio)
: waste matter eliminated or separated from the body

Medical Definition

excreta

noun plural
ex·​cre·​ta ik-ˈskrēt-ə How to pronounce excreta (audio)
: waste matter (as feces) eliminated or separated from the body compare excretion sense 2
excretal adjective
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