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
On top of that, medical companies raise blowfly larvae to clean wounds, desert locusts for compounds that might help reduce the risk of heart disease, and lac insects for their secretions, which are used to coat pills.
—
Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Human immunodeficiency virus spreads via semen, vaginal secretions, blood or breastmilk.
—Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2025
How To Solve Today’s Wordle The Hint: Crucial for secretions.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
New clinical trials are also testing implants in earlier stages of the disease, while researchers investigate whether secretions from retinal cells might help preserve vision.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for secretion
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Bob Fischer, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
Human immunodeficiency virus spreads via semen, vaginal secretions, blood or breastmilk.
—Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2025
How To Solve Today’s Wordle The Hint: Crucial for secretions.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
New clinical trials are also testing implants in earlier stages of the disease, while researchers investigate whether secretions from retinal cells might help preserve vision.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 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 19 Apr. 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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