secrete

¹

[ si-kreet ]

verb (used with object)

, se·cret·ed, se·cret·ing.

1. to discharge, generate, or release by the process of secretion.

secrete

²

[ si-kreet ]

verb (used with object)

, se·cret·ed, se·cret·ing.

1. to place out of sight; hide; conceal:

   squirrels secreting nuts in a hollow tree trunk.

   Synonyms: disguise, shroud, cover

secrète

³

[ suh-kret ]

noun

, Armor.

1. a steel skullcap of the 17th century, worn under a soft hat.

secrete

¹

/ sɪˈkriːt /

verb

1. (of a cell, organ, etc) to synthesize and release (a secretion)

secrete

²

/ sɪˈkriːt /

verb

1. tr to put in a hiding place

secrete

/ sĭ-krēt′ /

1. To produce and discharge a substance, especially from the cells of specialized glands. For example, the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas secrete the hormone insulin.

Derived Forms

• seˈcretor, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of secrete¹

First recorded in 1700–10; back formation from secretion

Origin of secrete²

1735–45; alteration of obsolete secret, verb use of secret

Origin of secrete³

From French; secret

Word History and Origins

Origin of secrete¹

C18: back formation from secretion

Origin of secrete²

C18: variant of obsolete secret to hide away; see secret (n)

Synonym Study

See hide ¹.

Example Sentences

Your body begins to secrete adrenaline, your cortisol levels rise, and your heart starts pumping faster.

From The Daily Beast

They had ridden out of the bush and come on the road so suddenly that Black had no time to secrete himself.

From Project Gutenberg

When the alarm was given on a plantation that the Yankees were coming, the farmers made all haste to secrete their horses.

From Project Gutenberg

Two or three pads, each of which bears tubelike hairs that secrete a sticky fluid, are found on its under surface.

From Project Gutenberg

Frequently the nerves dilate the blood vessels of the skin, thus helping the sweat glands to secrete, by giving them more blood.

From Project Gutenberg

Secrete this somewhere on your persons and never show it except as an absolute last resort.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• stash
• stow