Exudation: meaning, definitions and examples

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exudation

[ˌɛksjʊˈdeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

biology

The process of exuding or being exuded; the slow escape of liquids from blood vessels through pores or breaks in the vessel walls.

Synonyms

discharge, ooze, seepage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exudation	Exudation is a formal and technical term often used in medical or scientific contexts to refer to the slow release or secretion of fluids from cells or tissues. The exudation of fluids from the wound indicated an infection. Plant exudation can protect them from herbivores.
ooze	Ooze is typically used in informal or descriptive language to refer to the slow and often sticky flow of a thick liquid, often giving a somewhat unpleasant or negative connotation. The mud began to ooze through his fingers. Green slime oozed from the pipe.
seepage	Seepage is usually employed to describe the slow and gradual movement of liquid through porous materials, often in environmental or construction contexts. There was noticeable seepage of water through the basement walls. The engineers monitored the seepage of oil from the old pipeline.
discharge	Discharge can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the release or flow of a substance, such as a fluid or gas, especially in medical and environmental discussions. The patient experienced an unusual discharge from the ear. The factory faced penalties for unlawful discharge of waste into the river.

Examples of usage

The exudation of pus from a wound is a sign of infection.
Exudation of sap from a tree can be triggered by insect damage.
The exudation of fluids can be a natural response to inflammation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

chemistry

The process of a substance slowly coming out of its solid or liquid state and forming drops or a thin layer on the surface.

Synonyms

leakage, oozing, seepage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exudation	Primarily used in medical or biological contexts to describe the process of fluids oozing out of tissues or cells. The exudation of fluid from the wound indicated an infection
seepage	Typically used to describe the slow movement or leakage of fluid through small holes or porous material. Seepage from the basement walls indicated a problem with the foundation
leakage	Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the unintended escape of fluid or gas from containers or systems. There was significant leakage from the pipe after it was damaged
oozing	Used to describe a slow and steady flow of thick or viscous fluids, often in a slightly negative or unpleasant context. The wound kept oozing blood, making it difficult to bandage

Examples of usage

The exudation of oil from the ground can be a result of drilling.
Exudation of moisture from a material can indicate a leak or damage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'exudate' comes from the Latin 'exudare', meaning 'to sweat out'.
It was first used in the context of botany to describe how plants release fluids.
The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and 'udare' translates to 'to ooze'.

Botany

In plants, exudation can lead to the production of substances like resins and saps, important for defense.
Certain trees, like pines, exude sap as a protective response to injury, forming a barrier to pests.
Gums and exudates are also harvested for medicinal and industrial uses, highlighting their commercial importance.

Medicine

Exudation is a key factor in wound healing, where body fluids help to cleanse and provide nutrients to the area.
The type of exudate can indicate the state of healing – for example, clear fluid suggests a healthy healing process.
Exudation can also relate to conditions like infections, where it may be a sign of tissue response to pathogens.

Chemistry

In chemical processes, exudation can refer to the release of gases or liquids from a substance undergoing a change.
It is often assessed in soil science to understand how nutrients and contaminants move through soil layers.
Exudates from roots can affect soil chemistry significantly, influencing the microbial community in the rhizosphere.

Environmental Science

Exudation plays a vital role in nutrient cycling, particularly in forest ecosystems where organic matter decomposition occurs.
Wetland plants often exude acids into the water, affecting the overall chemical dynamics of these important ecosystems.
Understanding exudation helps scientists evaluate plant health and productivity in different environmental conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "exudation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exsudação

🇮🇳 स्रावण

🇩🇪 Exsudation

🇮🇩 eksudasi

🇺🇦 ексудація

🇵🇱 wysięk

🇯🇵 滲出 (しんしゅつ)

🇫🇷 exsudation

🇪🇸 exudación

🇹🇷 sızıntı

🇰🇷 삼출

🇸🇦 نضح

🇨🇿 exsudace

🇸🇰 exsudácia

🇨🇳 渗出 (shènchū)

🇸🇮 eksudacija

🇮🇸 útstreymi

🇰🇿 экссудация

🇬🇪 ექსუდაცია

🇦🇿 ekssudasiya

🇲🇽 exudación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,167, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21164 wrested
21165 portability
21166 messed
21167 exudation
21168 shod
21169 phosphor
21170 partook
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