secretory

adjective

se·​cre·​to·​ry ˈsē-krə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce secretory (audio)
especially British
si-ˈkrē-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce secretory (audio)
: of, relating to, or promoting secretion
also : produced by secretion

Examples of secretory in a Sentence

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.
The luteal or secretory phase lasts around 14 days for most people who ovulate.1 During this time frame, your uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy. Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2024 But the vaccines don’t induce secretory IgA because the cells that make secretory IgA are really lining the mucosa. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023 Numerous studies have shown the vaginal mucosa to be secretory. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1692, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secretory was in 1692

Dictionary Entries Near secretory

Cite this Entry

“Secretory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretory. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

secretory

adjective
se·​cre·​to·​ry
ˈsē-krə-ˌtȯr-ē, especially British si-ˈkrēt-(ə-)rē
: of, relating to, or promoting secretion
also : produced by secretion
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!