secretion

noun

se·cre·tion | \ si-ˈkrē-shən

Definition of secretion

1a : 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

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Examples of secretion in a Sentence

the secretion of stomach acids root secretions that repel insects

Recent Examples on the Web By definition, such cells are proficient at concentrating gene products into vesicles and then removing them from the cell body through secretion. — Quanta Magazine, 16 Aug. 2021 Commonly known as toad venom, the secretion of the Bufo Alvarius toad — also known as the Sonoran Desert toad or the Colorado River toad — contains bufotenine and 5-MeO-DMT, two substances known for their psychedelic properties. — Hannah Chubb, PEOPLE.com, 12 July 2021 Commonly known as toad venom, the secretion of Bufo Alvarius toads contains bufotenine and 5-MeO-DMT, two substances known for their psychedelic properties. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, 11 July 2021 The idea was to stimulate melatonin secretion and regulate their circadian rhythms. — Meeri Kim | Inside Science, ABC News, 11 July 2021 In April, thousands of fish died and by May a natural secretion called mucilage emerged, smothering harbors and beaches with its slimy film. — New York Times, 9 July 2021 The lack of insulin secretion can result in type 1 diabetes. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 11 June 2021 Adding a Covid-19 infection to that can cause further cytokine secretion, potentially triggering one of these storms and causing the immune system to attack the body's cells, not just the pathogen. — Alessandria Masi, CNN, 23 May 2021 Keeping your blood sugar levels normal requires the proper balance of glucagon and insulin secretion at the appropriate times. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 11 June 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'secretion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near secretion

secret ink

secretion

secret is safe with (someone)

Statistics for secretion

Last Updated

24 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Secretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretion. Accessed 15 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for secretion

secretion

noun

English Language Learners Definition of secretion

: the production of a liquid by part of a plant or animal

: a substance produced and given off by a plant or animal part

See the full definition for secretion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

secretion

noun

se·cre·tion | \ si-ˈkrē-shən

Kids Definition of secretion

1 : the act or process of giving off a substance the secretion of saliva by salivary glands

2 : a substance formed in and given off by a gland that usually performs a useful function in the body Digestive secretions contain enzymes.

secretion

noun

se·cre·tion | \ si-ˈkrē-shən

Medical Definition of secretion

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