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
Examples of secretion in a Sentence
the secretion of stomach acids
root secretions that repel insects
Recent Examples on the Web
Depending on what virus is being considered, this sample can be blood, sputum, nasal secretions, or saliva.
—
Tanya Feke, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2024
But mammals are not the only group of animals to feed their babies with specialized secretions.
—Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024
What’s more, the lower fiber content decreases satiety and contributes to the secretion of hormones that trigger hunger.
—Julie Chapon, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024
Snail mucin in skincare Also known as snail slime or snail secretion filtrate, snail mucin has been a staple in South Korean beauty trends for years and has recently become popular in the US as a powerful anti-aging ingredient.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024
Related article Unprecedented bird flu outbreak spreads to mammals in sub-Antarctic, UK says
Humans commonly catch parrot fever by breathing in the dust from an infected bird’s secretions, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024
However, lung adenocarcinoma can also manifest in abdominal pain, bone pain, headaches, and/or mucus secretion: symptoms that aren’t necessarily specific to lung cancer and that may cause the cancer to be misdiagnosed.
—Eva Epker, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2023
One study found that those who ate diets low in omega-3s showed weaker secretions of melatonin, which resulted in disturbed sleep patterns.
—Georgia Day, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2024
It’s been known for decades that some live-bearing caecilian species produce a secretion in their oviducts to nourish their young internally, thanks to earlier research from Wake.
—Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024
Tanya Feke, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2024
But mammals are not the only group of animals to feed their babies with specialized secretions.
—Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024
What’s more, the lower fiber content decreases satiety and contributes to the secretion of hormones that trigger hunger.
—Julie Chapon, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024
Snail mucin in skincare Also known as snail slime or snail secretion filtrate, snail mucin has been a staple in South Korean beauty trends for years and has recently become popular in the US as a powerful anti-aging ingredient.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024
Related article Unprecedented bird flu outbreak spreads to mammals in sub-Antarctic, UK says
Humans commonly catch parrot fever by breathing in the dust from an infected bird’s secretions, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024
However, lung adenocarcinoma can also manifest in abdominal pain, bone pain, headaches, and/or mucus secretion: symptoms that aren’t necessarily specific to lung cancer and that may cause the cancer to be misdiagnosed.
—Eva Epker, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2023
One study found that those who ate diets low in omega-3s showed weaker secretions of melatonin, which resulted in disturbed sleep patterns.
—Georgia Day, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2024
It’s been known for decades that some live-bearing caecilian species produce a secretion in their oviducts to nourish their young internally, thanks to earlier research from Wake.
—Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'secretion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near secretion
Cite this Entry
“Secretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretion. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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