secretion

play

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 [²secrete] : the act of hiding something : concealment

secretionary

play \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

See secretion defined for English-language learners

See secretion defined for kids

Examples of secretion in a Sentence

the secretion of stomach acids
root secretions that repel insects

Recent Examples of secretion from the Web

The heady secretion from the musk deer has long been a coveted ingredient, driving the species to near-extinction.

— laura regensdorf, Vogue, "A New Berkeley Museum Explores the Secret World of Natural Perfume," 11 July 2017
One of the most alluring aspects of perfume is the use of animal scents, most of which are derived from not terribly alluring-sounding elements like excrement or perineal secretions.

— deborah needleman, New York Times, "A Little Cottage Where You Can Smell the Natural History of Perfume," 7 July 2017
After years of frustration, Stockholm University professor Catarina Rydin and her student Kristina Bolinder realized that E. foeminea times the secretion of its pollination drops to July’s full moon.

— National Geographic, "Sex, Death, and Pollination: How the Moon Changes Life on Earth," 6 July 2017
The tubes lure insects with sweet secretions, but once the creatures lose their footing and fall into the tube, enzymes consume them.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "These stunning plants all have one thing in common: A taste for blood," 3 July 2017
The secretions flush out cells from the vaginal wall, excess water, and bacteria.

— zoe ruderman, Cosmopolitan, "22 Vital Facts You Need to Know About Your Vagina," 19 June 2017
These tiny critters piece the skin, inject a salivary secretion that breaks down skin cells that are subsequently sucked up by the mite.

— sallie lee, AL.com, "Invisible bugs cause major discomfort (Garden Talk)," 5 June 2017
No one wants to be assaulted by a skunk’s malodorous secretions—if even the adorable acrobat regales you with a handstand first.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "How Glaciers Gave Us the Adorable, Handstanding Spotted Skunk," 6 May 2017
The whole thing is sheathed in a tusklike tube created from its secretions of calcium carbonate.

— joanna klein, New York Times, "This Is a Giant Shipworm. You May Wish It Had Stayed In Its Tube.," 18 Apr. 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1646

See Words from the same year

SECRETION Defined for English Language Learners

secretion

play

noun

Definition of secretion for English Language Learners

: the production of a liquid by part of a plant or animal
: a substance produced and given off by a plant or animal part

SECRETION Defined for Kids

secretion

play

noun se·cre·tion \si-ˈkrē-shən\

Definition 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

play

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