Excretion: meaning, definitions and examples

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excretion

 

[ ɪkˈskriːʃ(ə)n ]

Noun
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'excretion' originated from the Latin word 'excretio', which means 'a sifting out'. The concept of excretion has been recognized since ancient times, with early civilizations understanding the importance of eliminating waste from the body. Over the centuries, advancements in biology and medicine have deepened our understanding of the excretory system and its role in maintaining health.

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.