secretory

American  

[si-kree-tuh-ree] / sɪˈkri tə ri /

adjective

1. pertaining to secretion.

2. performing the process of secretion.

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noun

plural

secretories

1. a secretory organ, vessel, or the like.

secretory British  

/ sɪˈkriːtərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or producing a secretion

   a secretory cell

   secretory function

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Other Word Forms

• nonsecretory adjective

Etymology

Origin of secretory

First recorded in 1685–95; secret(ion) + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Colozza's and colleagues' study is the first genetic proof that Daam1, a member of the non-canonical Wnt pathway, is important for specifying Paneth cells, and directly involved in the development of this crucial secretory cell.

From Science Daily • Nov. 24, 2023

Looking closely at the intestines, Colozza saw that intestines lacking Rnf43 were full of a specific type of secretory cells, the Paneth cells.

From Science Daily • Nov. 24, 2023

Cockroach mothers not only incubate their babies until they are the equivalent size of a 2-year-old human toddler, but they also feed them a milk-like nutrient they produce through secretory glands.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2023

The mesodermal tissues include support cells and secretory cells that secrete mucus and other materials to the surface.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

The sporozoites are carried about by the blood-stream; ultimately, however, apparently by virtue of some chemotactic attraction, they practically all collect in the salivary glands, filling the secretory cells and also invading the ducts.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 7 "Gyantse" to "Hallel" by Various