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

Earwigs can also spray each other with defensive secretions that may have antimicrobial properties too. —Tim Vernimmen, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2024

Carbonic anhydrase inhibition ameliorates tau toxicity via enhanced tau secretion. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

The snail secretion contains ample barrier-protecting peptides, which are fantastic for your skin. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024

Dandruff formation Dandruff is not necessarily a sign of infrequent hair washing, but our scalp continuously produces sebum, an oily secretion that protects and moisturizes the skin and hair. —Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2024

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

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