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

Researchers have found evidence that human body odors and secretions can influence physiological or psychological responses in other people. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026

It is made with 96% snail secretion filtrate, a humectant-rich ingredient known for calming irritation, fading post-acne marks and supporting skin repair. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026

CosRx’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, built on 96% snail secretion filtrate, is now a shorthand product for the entire category. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

The primary effect of vitamin D is to improve the secretion of insulin by beta-cells in the pancreas, according to Anastassios Pittas, MD, senior author of the study and chief of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Tufts Medical Center. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 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