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 [2secrete] : 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 of secretion from the Web
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As seedlings grow, their developing root system gives off a variety of chemical signals, and the researchers guessed that these secretions might play a role in sibling recognition.
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.
Origin and Etymology of secretion
French sécrétion, from Latin secretion-, secretio separation, from secernere to separate — more at secret
SECRETION Defined for English Language Learners
secretion
playDefinition of secretion for English Language Learners
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: the production of a liquid by part of a plant or animal
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: a substance produced and given off by a plant or animal part
SECRETION Defined for Kids
secretion
playDefinition of secretion for Students
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.
Medical Dictionary
secretion
playMedical 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
Learn More about secretion
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See words that rhyme with secretion Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for secretion Spanish Central: Translation of secretion Nglish: Translation of secretion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of secretion for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about secretion
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