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

Example Sentences

As expected, the presence of BKCa not only increased lactate secretion, but also increased the ability of breast cancer cells to grow without oxygen.

From Science Daily

But we do know infected birds can shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces.

From Salon

They discovered that disruption of the internal clock in the epithelial cells lining the intestine alters secretion of cytokine proteins, leading to heightened inflammation, increased numbers of immunosuppressive myeloid cells and cancer progression.

From Science Daily

They found that UV radiation inhibits weight gain by enhancing secretion of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which not only decreases leptin but also increases energy expenditure through the "browning" of subcutaneous fat.

From Science Daily

More recent laboratory tests have also detected the virus in cows' nasal secretions for a short time before the virus presents in their raw milk.

From Salon

Related Words

• bile
• mucus
• saliva