secretion

noun

se·​cre·​tion si-ˈkrē-shən How to pronounce secretion (audio)
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.
But, unlike most glands, including the apocrine glands in human armpits, they are not connected to the secretions of the body that houses them, and so might be better described as pockets. Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025 At the beginning of the trial and after 12, 24 and 48 weeks, researchers measured participants' C-peptide levels (a marker of insulin secretion) to find out how much insulin participants could make themselves. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 May Help Control Blood Sugar Magnesium plays a role in insulin secretion. Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025 Look for unusual stains or scents around your windows or on your upholstered furniture, which could potentially be signs of insect secretions. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Secretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretion. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on secretion

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