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 One study found that those who ate diets low in omega-3s showed weaker secretions of melatonin, which resulted in disturbed sleep patterns. Georgia Day, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2024 It’s been known for decades that some live-bearing caecilian species produce a secretion in their oviducts to nourish their young internally, thanks to earlier research from Wake. Popular Science, 7 Mar. 2024 The abject reminds us of the facts of our bodies through excretion, secretion, expulsion. Hazlitt, 28 Feb. 2024 Both sets of drugs mimic a hormone known as GLP-1 that reduces appetite, causes people to feel full longer and affects insulin secretion. Meg Tirrell, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 The American Animal Hospital Association wrote in early December that veterinarians have used oxygen support, IV fluid, nebulization (which helps clear the buildup of secretions in the throat) and coupage (which helps clear buildup in the lungs). Peter Aitken, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2023 Researchers who analyzed the contents of these plugs found that they are made up largely of intestinal secretions and cells that slough off from inside the intestinal tract even during long periods without food. Steven Hill, Field & Stream, 29 Nov. 2023 The data suggest that the cytokine secretion in the innate immune response rapidly returns to the level of nonsmokers after a person quits smoking but that the effects on the adaptive response appear to endure for years or decades through a process called epigenetic memory. Alejandra Manjarrez, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2024 These secretions originate from skin glands such as the parotoid glands, found around the back or neck region of the animal. Scott Travers, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'secretion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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