secretion

noun

se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce secretion (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of secretion in a Sentence

the secretion of stomach acids root secretions that repel insects
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for secretion

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of secretion was in 1646

Cite this Entry

“Secretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretion. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

secretion

noun
se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce secretion (audio)
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

Medical Definition

secretion

noun
se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce secretion (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on secretion

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