secretion

[ si-kree-shuhn ]

noun

1. (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.
2. the product of this act or process.

secretion

/ sɪˈkriːʃən /

noun

1. a substance that is released from a cell, esp a glandular cell, and is synthesized in the cell
2. the process involved in producing and releasing such a substance from the cell

secretion

/ sĭ-krē′shən /

1. The process of secreting a substance from a cell or gland.
2. A substance, such as saliva, mucus, tears, bile, or a hormone, that is secreted.

Derived Forms

• seˈcretionary, adjective

Other Words From

• se·cre·tion·ar·y [si-, kree, -sh, uh, -ner-ee], adjective
• nonse·cretion noun
• nonse·cretion·ary adjective
• over·se·cretion noun
• super·se·cretion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of secretion¹

1640–50; < Latin sēcrētiōn- (stem of sēcrētiō ), equivalent to sēcrēt ( us ) (past participle of sēcernere to secern ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of secretion¹

C17: from Medieval Latin sēcrētiō, from Latin: a separation; see secern

Related Words

• bile
• mucus
• saliva