secretion

[ si-kree-shuhn ]

/ sɪˈkri ʃən /

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See synonyms for secretion on Thesaurus.com

noun

(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.

the product of this act or process.

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Origin of secretion

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

OTHER WORDS FROM secretion

se·cre·tion·ar·y

[si-kree-shuh-ner-ee], /sɪˈkri ʃəˌnɛr i/, adjectivenon·se·cre·tion, nounnon·se·cre·tion·ar·y, adjectiveo·ver·se·cre·tion, noun

su·per·se·cre·tion, noun

Words nearby secretion

secretary of state, secret ballot, secrete, secret history, secretin, secretion, secretive, secretly, secretory, secret partner, secret police

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use secretion in a sentence

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.
What to know about monkeypox symptoms, treatments and protection|Rachel Pannett, Fenit Nirappil, Meryl Kornfield, Timothy Bella, Lindsey Bever|August 5, 2022|Washington Post
The drug protects the stomach by reducing acid secretion, increasing mucus production, and changing blood flow in the lining of the organ.
Abortion bans are impeding access to ulcer, arthritis, and cancer medications|Kate Baggaley|August 1, 2022|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.
Monkeypox is in Bay Area wastewater|Hana Kiros|July 23, 2022|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.
Type 2 Diabetes Remission Is Possible. Here’s How to Do It|Michael O. Schroeder|March 17, 2022|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.
State Attorneys General Push Federal Government to Follow the Law and Finally Create Side-Impact Tests for Kids’ Car Seats|by Patricia Callahan|July 15, 2021|ProPublica
Putty-colored or "acholic" stools occur when bile is deficient, either from obstruction to outflow or from deficient secretion.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
The animals become indisposed, and the secretion of milk is much lessened.
An Inquiry into the Causes and Effects of the Variolae Vaccinae|Edward Jenner
Though, of course, there is the possibility that literature is a morbid secretion, and abhors health!
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
This cage is lined within by a smooth membrane which is kept constantly moist by its own secretion.
Voice Production in Singing and Speaking|Wesley Mills
Expectorantia, L. Medicines that promote the secretion of the trachial and bronchial mucus.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

British Dictionary definitions for secretion

secretion

/ (sɪˈkriːʃən) /

noun

a substance that is released from a cell, esp a glandular cell, and is synthesized in the cell

the process involved in producing and releasing such a substance from the cell

Derived forms of secretion

secretionary, adjective

Word Origin for secretion

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

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

Scientific definitions for secretion

secretion

[ sĭ-krē′shən ]

The process of secreting a substance from a cell or gland.

A substance, such as saliva, mucus, tears, bile, or a hormone, that is secreted.

secretion

Origin of secretion

OTHER WORDS FROM secretion

Words nearby secretion

Words related to secretion

How to use secretion in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for secretion

Derived forms of secretion

Word Origin for secretion

Scientific definitions for secretion