exocrine

American  

[ek-suh-krin, -krahyn, -kreen] / ˈɛk sə krɪn, -ˌkraɪn, -ˌkrin /

adjective

1. secreting to an epithelial surface.

2. of or relating to an exocrine gland or its secretion.

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noun

1. an external secretion.

2. exocrine gland.

exocrine British  

/ ˈɛksəʊˌkraɪn, -krɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions

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noun

1. an exocrine gland

Etymology

Origin of exocrine

1910–15; exo- + -crine < Greek krī́nein to separate

Example Sentences

Sebaceous glands are exocrine glands which produce, a mixture of lipids and waxy substances: lubrication, water-proofing, softening and antibactericidal actions are among the many functions of sebum.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

These are all exocrine glands, secreting materials outside the cells and body.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Figure 17.18 Pancreas The pancreatic exocrine function involves the acinar cells secreting digestive enzymes that are transported into the small intestine by the pancreatic duct.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

What is a similarity and a difference between an exocrine gland and an endocrine gland?

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

The endocrine glands differ from the exocrine glands.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013