secretion
noun
se·cre·tion
si-ˈkrē-shən 
1
a
: the process of segregating, elaborating, and releasing some material either functionally specialized (such as saliva) or isolated for excretion (such as urine)
b
: a product of secretion formed by an animal or plant
especially
: one performing a specific useful function in the organism
2
[secrete entry 2]
: the act of hiding something : concealment
Examples of secretion in a Sentence
the secretion of stomach acids
root secretions that repel insects
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite efforts to improve lung function through respiratory physiotherapy, Francis' condition suggests an ongoing struggle with secretion clearance, potentially due to muscle weakness and limited physical activity.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Measles is spread through contact with infected nasal or throat secretions, according to the WHO.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
But caterpillars also contain a potential windfall of medically useful compounds within their toxic secretions.
—Bob Holmes, JSTOR Daily, 27 Feb. 2025
May Help Control Blood Sugar Magnesium plays a role in insulin secretion, which is the process of insulin being released from the pancreas into the bloodstream in response to elevated blood sugar.
—Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretion
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Measles is spread through contact with infected nasal or throat secretions, according to the WHO.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025
But caterpillars also contain a potential windfall of medically useful compounds within their toxic secretions.
—Bob Holmes, JSTOR Daily, 27 Feb. 2025
May Help Control Blood Sugar Magnesium plays a role in insulin secretion, which is the process of insulin being released from the pancreas into the bloodstream in response to elevated blood sugar.
—Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretion
Cite this Entry
“Secretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretion. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
secretion
noun
se·cre·tion
si-ˈkrē-shən
1
a
: the process of giving off a substance (as saliva)
b
: a substance produced and given off by a gland
especially
: one (as an enzyme) that performs a specific useful function in the body
Medical Definition
secretion
noun
se·cre·tion
si-ˈkrē-shən
1
: the process of segregating, elaborating, and releasing some material either functionally specialized (as saliva) or isolated for excretion (as urine)
2
: a product of secretion formed by an animal or plant
especially
: one performing a specific useful function in the organism
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