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Excretion: meaning, definitions and examples

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excretion

 

[ɪkˈskriːʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

process of eliminating waste products from the body

Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products from the body. It involves the removal of metabolic wastes such as urine, feces, and carbon dioxide. Excretion plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of chemicals and fluids in the body.

Synonyms

discharge, elimination, expulsion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
excretion

Used mostly in a scientific or medical context when referring to the process of removing waste from the body.

  • Excretion of toxins is essential for maintaining health
  • The kidneys play a key role in the excretion of metabolic waste
elimination

Primarily used to describe the removal of something unwanted or unnecessary. Often used in general and abstract contexts.

  • The team’s strategy focused on the elimination of all errors
  • Elimination of waste is vital in efficient project management
discharge

Can refer to the release of substances, often in a medical or technical context. It can also describe a document or person being released from obligation or containment.

  • The discharge from the wound must be cleaned properly
  • The patient was given an early discharge from the hospital
expulsion

Typically refers to forcefully removing someone or something from a place or organization. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • The student faced expulsion after breaking the school rules
  • The expulsion of air from the lungs is part of the breathing process

Examples of usage

  • Excretion of urine is essential for removing excess water and waste products from the bloodstream.
  • The lungs are responsible for the excretion of carbon dioxide during respiration.
Context #2 | Noun

waste matter discharged from the body

Excretion can also refer to the waste matter discharged from the body. This includes feces, urine, sweat, and other bodily fluids that are no longer needed by the body. Proper excretion is vital for maintaining good health and preventing the buildup of toxins.

Synonyms

discharge, ejection, evacuation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
excretion

Use when discussing biological and natural processes of removing waste from an organism’s body.

  • The kidneys play a crucial role in the excretion of toxins from the body
  • Waste excretion is an essential function of the digestive system
discharge

Suitable for contexts involving the release of substances, fluids, or energy, often used in medical, legal, or operational settings.

  • The patient was concerned about the unusual discharge from his wound
  • The official discharge of pollutants into the river is strictly regulated
ejection

Fits scenarios involving a forceful or sudden expulsion, often used in mechanical, aerospace, or sports contexts.

  • The pilot had to use the ejection seat to escape the failing aircraft
  • The referee announced the ejection of the player following the fight
evacuation

Appropriate for situations involving the removal of people or objects from a dangerous or hazardous area for safety purposes.

  • The emergency crew ordered the immediate evacuation of the building due to the fire
  • The planned evacuation zone was marked clearly on the map

Examples of usage

  • The excretion of feces is a natural bodily function that occurs regularly.
  • Sweating is another form of excretion that helps regulate body temperature.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Excretion is how living organisms remove waste products formed from metabolism, keeping the body healthy.
  • The kidneys play a major role in excretion by filtering blood and producing urine, showcasing a vital biological function.
  • Both plants and animals excrete waste, but they do it in different ways, like plants using leaves to drop excess minerals.

History

  • Ancient Romans had sophisticated sewage systems, where waste could be managed, reflecting early attempts at sanitation and cleanliness.
  • The development of proper excretion was linked to public health; cities that managed waste saw reduced disease spread.
  • In the 19th century, scientists discovered that understanding waste could help diagnose illnesses, paving the way for modern medicine.

Culture

  • Excretion is often a taboo subject in many cultures, leading to humorous depictions in cartoons and movies that create comedy from bodily functions.
  • Various cultures have developed rituals around bodily waste, often signifying cleanliness and renewal in their traditions.
  • In literature, excretion can symbolize the release of burdens, highlighting the importance of letting go of negative experiences.

Psychology

  • Excretion can symbolize psychological 'letting go' in therapeutic settings, where discussing bodily functions can aid in addressing issues of self-acceptance.
  • The relationship a person has with their own body and its waste processes can affect their overall mental well-being.
  • Children often explore the concept of bodily functions as a part of learning, which is essential for developing healthy attitudes toward their bodies.

Environmental Science

  • In ecological systems, excretion plays a critical role in nutrient cycling, where animals' waste becomes food for plants, thus nourishing ecosystems.
  • Waste treatment facilities are designed to help manage human excretion in ways that minimize environmental impact, reflecting our modern awareness of ecology.
  • Composting is a natural form of waste management that parallels excretion, as organic waste is broken down to enrich the soil.

Translations

Translations of the word "excretion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 excreção

🇮🇳 उत्सर्जन

🇩🇪 Ausscheidung

🇮🇩 ekskresi

🇺🇦 виділення

🇵🇱 wydalanie

🇯🇵 排泄 (はいせつ)

🇫🇷 excrétion

🇪🇸 excreción

🇹🇷 salgı

🇰🇷 배설 (배출

🇸🇦 إفراز

🇨🇿 vylučování

🇸🇰 vylučovanie

🇨🇳 排泄 (páixiè)

🇸🇮 izločanje

🇮🇸 útskiljun

🇰🇿 шығару

🇬🇪 გამოყოფა

🇦🇿 ifrazat

🇲🇽 excreción

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,962 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.