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secrete

verb (1)
se·​crete | \ si-ˈkrēt How to pronounce secrete (audio) \
secreted; secreting

Definition of secrete

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to form and give off (a secretion)

secrete

verb (2)
se·​crete | \ si-ˈkrēt How to pronounce secrete (audio) , ˈsē-krət\
secreted; secreting

Definition of secrete (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to deposit or conceal in a hiding place
2 : to appropriate secretly : abstract

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Verb (2)

hide, conceal, screen, secrete, bury mean to withhold or withdraw from sight. hide may or may not suggest intent. hide in the closet a house hidden in the woods conceal usually does imply intent and often specifically implies a refusal to divulge. concealed the weapon screen implies an interposing of something that prevents discovery. a house screened by trees secrete suggests a depositing in a place unknown to others. secreted the amulet inside his shirt bury implies covering up so as to hide completely. buried the treasure

First Known Use of secrete

Verb (1)

1693, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for secrete

Verb (1)

back-formation from secretion

Verb (2)

alteration of obsolete secret, from secret entry 1

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Time Traveler for secrete

The first known use of secrete was in 1693

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More Definitions for secrete

secrete

verb
se·​crete | \ si-ˈkrēt How to pronounce secrete (audio) \
secreted; secreting

Kids Definition of secrete

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to produce and give off as a secretion Some glands secrete mucus.

secrete

verb
secreted; secreting

Kids Definition of secrete (Entry 2 of 2)

: to put in a hiding place

secrete

transitive verb
se·​crete | \ si-ˈkrēt How to pronounce secrete (audio) \
secreted; secreting

Medical Definition of secrete

: to form and give off (a secretion) cells secreting mucus

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More from Merriam-Webster on secrete

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with secrete

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for secrete

Spanish Central: Translation of secrete

Nglish: Translation of secrete for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of secrete for Arabic Speakers

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