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 of secretion

• stashing
• hiding
• concealment
• caching

Examples of secretion in a Sentence

the secretion of stomach acids

root secretions that repel insects

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s made with 96% snail secretion filtrate, a humectant-rich ingredient known for calming irritation, fading post-acne marks, and supporting skin repair. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Mar. 2026

The mumps virus spreads through saliva and respiratory secretions when infected people cough, sneeze, talk, or share drinks or utensils. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Mar. 2026

Sjögren’s disease is a chronic illness that happens when the immune cells mistakenly attack and destroy healthy gland cells that produce secretions like saliva and tears. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 12 Mar. 2026

Experiments have shown sauna and other forms of heat therapy also cause the secretion of various hormones and boost immune cells, at least in the short-term. —Will Stone, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

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

• hyper-secretion
• internal secretion

Rhymes for secretion

• accretion
• completion
• concretion
• deletion
• depletion
• excretion
• repletion
• carburetion
• grecian
• hypersecretion

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