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

• caching
• concealment
• hiding
• stashing

Example Sentences

the secretion of stomach acids

root secretions that repel insects

Recent Examples on the Web

When the cells were confronted by this virus-mimic, secretion significantly increased. —Maggie Chen, WIRED, 2 Jan. 2023

These dietary carbohydrates, according to the Insulin Hypothesis, boost the body’s insulin secretion, which redirects fat to be stored in fat cells rather than used up as energy. —Tamar Haspel, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2018

These sacs contain specialized sweat glands that release a noxious smelling secretion that serves as a perfume identifier for your dog. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2022

The serum is made with mucin, a bodily secretion of snails (its retrieval isn't harmful to snails, according to the brand) and may help treat cystic acne, boost elasticity, and replenish dry skin over time. —Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 25 Nov. 2022

Don't let the snail secretion ferment in these best-selling hydrogel eye patches scare you off: They're also embedded with gold, pearl, diamond, and charcoal powders to brighten and revitalize skin while evening its tone. —Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Nov. 2022

The main psychedelic chemical in the toads’ secretion is called 5-MeO-DMT. —Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022

Snail secretion contains properties that rejuvenate and repair the skin from possible irritations, breakouts and dryness. —Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 June 2022

But scientists are now warning that the demand for the toad's secretion could lead its population to collapse, wrote Simon Romero for the New York Times earlier this year. —Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022

See More

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

• internal secretion
• hyper-secretion

• internal secretion
• hyper-secretion

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