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.
This best-selling serum contains snail secretion, which works wonders for skin hydration and can even reduce inflammation. Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024 If these bug secretions escape our awareness, what other insect products are hidden in plain sight? Barrett Klein, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 Calcium may help increase the secretion of incretins, which are hormones that help reduce appetite.18 Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.19 Calcium Getting calcium from foods is generally better than getting it from supplements. Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024 Tongkat ali root improved insulin secretion in mice and helped regulate high blood sugar.10 Research in humans is necessary to confirm these results. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near secretion

Cite this Entry

“Secretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretion. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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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