secretion

noun

se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce secretion (audio)
Synonyms of secretionnext
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
secretionary adjective

Examples of secretion in a Sentence

the secretion of stomach acids root secretions that repel insects
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is not the first time that anxiety over Alexander Skarsgård’s synthetic manhood — and its fake secretions — has resulted in dual versions of a film. Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026 It’s made with 96% snail secretion filtrate (yep, a mucus snails produce). Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 1 Apr. 2026 Until the lava of the bird’s stomach melts her valiant resins, dissolves her nomadic strength, and transforms her into a viscous secretion. María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026 Lac and lacquer Lac, a resinous substance used for decorations, is made from the secretion of the tiny lac insect, Laccifer lacca. Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for secretion

Word History

Etymology

French sécrétion, from Latin secretion-, secretio separation, from secernere to separate — more at secret

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of secretion was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Secretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretion. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

secretion

noun
se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce secretion (audio)
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
2

Medical Definition

secretion

noun
se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce secretion (audio)
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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