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

• caching
• concealment
• hiding
• stashing

Examples of secretion in a Sentence

the secretion of stomach acids

root secretions that repel insects

Recent Examples on the Web

Between backward-facing-feet, nipple-less milk secretion and egg-laying, platypuses and echidnas are some of the strangest mammals on Earth. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025

Human Growth Hormone Activation Ghrelin secretion also stimulates the release of human growth hormone (HGH). —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025

But when under attack, worker ants rupture their own bodies by contracting their abdominal muscles with such force that their exoskeleton splits open, unleashing a sticky, yellow secretion laced with deadly chemicals. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Ghrelin has also been found to reduce insulin secretion, which may decrease how much sugar your cells take up for storage or energy.6 5. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025

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