secretion

[ si-kree-shuhn ]

noun

1. (in a cell or gland) the act or process of separating, elaborating, and releasing a substance that fulfills some function within the organism or undergoes excretion.
2. the product of this act or process.

secretion

/ sɪˈkriːʃən /

noun

1. a substance that is released from a cell, esp a glandular cell, and is synthesized in the cell
2. the process involved in producing and releasing such a substance from the cell

secretion

/ sĭ-krē′shən /

1. The process of secreting a substance from a cell or gland.
2. A substance, such as saliva, mucus, tears, bile, or a hormone, that is secreted.

Derived Forms

• seˈcretionary, adjective

Other Words From

• se·cre·tion·ar·y [si-, kree, -sh, uh, -ner-ee], adjective
• nonse·cretion noun
• nonse·cretion·ary adjective
• over·se·cretion noun
• super·se·cretion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of secretion¹

1640–50; < Latin sēcrētiōn- (stem of sēcrētiō ), equivalent to sēcrēt ( us ) (past participle of sēcernere to secern ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of secretion¹

C17: from Medieval Latin sēcrētiō, from Latin: a separation; see secern

Example Sentences

It can also be transmitted from respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling or sex.

From Washington Post

The drug protects the stomach by reducing acid secretion, increasing mucus production, and changing blood flow in the lining of the organ.

From Popular-Science

That includes respiratory and nasal secretions, spit, urine, feces, and semen—meaning a flushed tissue from someone with monkeypox can register the virus in wastewater.

From MIT Technology Review

In addition to the pounds dropped, he adds that there may be secretion of hormones as a result of the surgical reconfiguration of the gastrointestinal tract that makes remission more likely.

From Time

Jillian, who has always had an independent spirit, cannot clear secretions from her lungs on her own and requires round-the-clock care in the family’s home, which has been transformed to meet her needs.

From ProPublica

Putty-colored or "acholic" stools occur when bile is deficient, either from obstruction to outflow or from deficient secretion.

From Project Gutenberg

The animals become indisposed, and the secretion of milk is much lessened.

From Project Gutenberg

Though, of course, there is the possibility that literature is a morbid secretion, and abhors health!

From Project Gutenberg

This cage is lined within by a smooth membrane which is kept constantly moist by its own secretion.

From Project Gutenberg

Expectorantia, L. Medicines that promote the secretion of the trachial and bronchial mucus.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bile
• mucus
• saliva