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
The benzoquinones in those secretions are pungent to parasites and mosquitoes, and lemurs sometimes also ingest small amounts, suggesting a mix of topical repellent and internal deworming.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
DeRose-Broeckert also told NDA that both tree sap and buck forehead gland secretions produce strong, unique scents.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Oct. 2025
Semaglutide mimics a glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone in the body that reduces appetite and stimulates insulin secretion.
—Surina Venkat, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025
It's involved in muscle function, blood clotting, and hormone secretion.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretion
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
DeRose-Broeckert also told NDA that both tree sap and buck forehead gland secretions produce strong, unique scents.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Oct. 2025
Semaglutide mimics a glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone in the body that reduces appetite and stimulates insulin secretion.
—Surina Venkat, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025
It's involved in muscle function, blood clotting, and hormone secretion.
—Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Health, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretion
Cite this Entry
“Secretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretion. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share