secretory

American  

[si-kree-tuh-ree] / sɪˈkri tə ri /

adjective

1. pertaining to secretion.

2. performing the process of secretion.

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noun

plural

secretories

1. a secretory organ, vessel, or the like.

secretory British  

/ sɪˈkriːtərɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or producing a secretion

   a secretory cell

   secretory function

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Other Word Forms

• nonsecretory adjective

Etymology

Origin of secretory

First recorded in 1685–95; secret(ion) + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Senescent cells are still metabolically active, but unlike young and healthy cells, they produce various secretory proteins that upregulate immune responses in both nearby tissues and distant organs.

From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2024

Colozza's and colleagues' study is the first genetic proof that Daam1, a member of the non-canonical Wnt pathway, is important for specifying Paneth cells, and directly involved in the development of this crucial secretory cell.

From Science Daily • Nov. 24, 2023

Cockroach mothers not only incubate their babies until they are the equivalent size of a 2-year-old human toddler, but they also feed them a milk-like nutrient they produce through secretory glands.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2023

The mesodermal tissues include mesenchymal cells that contain collagen and support secretory cells that secrete mucus and other materials at the surface.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

In the second main variety of gland the secretory portion is enlarged and the lumen variously increased in size.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various