exocrine

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

adjective

secreting to an epithelial surface.
of or relating to an exocrine gland or its secretion.

noun

an external secretion.
exocrine gland.

QUIZZES

PRACTICE SOME ESCAPISM WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

We salute you if you remember all the doovers from Word of the Day between May 25 and May 31!
Question 1 of 7
salute
to call out to in order to stop, attract attention, ask aid, etc.
to wield power; exercise rule.
to express respect or praise for; honor; commend.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT
Compare endocrine.

Origin of exocrine

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

Words nearby exocrine

exobiota, exocardia, exocarp, exocentric, exocet, exocrine, exocrine gland, exocrinology, exocuticle, exocytose, exocytosis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for exocrine

exocrine
/ (ˈɛksəʊˌkraɪn, -krɪn) /

adjective

of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions

noun

an exocrine gland
Compare endocrine

Word Origin for exocrine

C20: exo- + -crine from Greek krinein to separate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for exocrine

exocrine
[ ĕk′sə-krĭn, -krēn, -krīn′ ]

adj.

Of or relating to a glandular secretion released externally through a duct to a surface.
Relating to a gland that secretes outwardly through a duct or ducts.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.