secretion

[ si-kree-shuh n ]
/ sɪˈkri ʃən /
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.

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

Words nearby secretion

secretary of defense, secretary of state, secretary-general, secrete, secretin, secretion, secretive, secretoinhibitory, secretomotor, secretor, secretory

Words related to secretion

saliva, mucus, bile, excretion, flow, seepage, movement, suppuration, gum, juice, sweat, sap, milk, tears

Example sentences from the Web for secretion

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

Medical definitions for secretion

secretion
[ sĭ-krē′shən ]

n.

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.

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.