Secrete: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคซ
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secrete

 

[ sษชหˆkriหt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

keep secret

To hide, conceal, or keep something secret.

Synonyms

conceal, hide, stash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
secrete

This term is typically used in scientific or biological contexts to describe the process of producing and releasing a substance, especially in relation to glands and bodily functions.

  • The pancreas secretes insulin.
  • These glands secrete a sticky substance.
hide

Used in a broad range of situations where something or someone is placed out of sight or made difficult to find or notice. It can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts like emotions.

  • She decided to hide behind the curtain.
  • He hid his true feelings from everyone.
conceal

Often used when talking about hiding something intentionally to keep it from being discovered or noticed. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as emotions, information, or objects.

  • She tried to conceal her disappointment.
  • He concealed the evidence under his bed.
stash

Commonly used in informal contexts to describe the act of storing something secretly or safely, often for future use. It carries a slightly playful or casual connotation.

  • He stashed his candy under the bed.
  • She always has some money stashed away for emergencies.

Examples of usage

  • He secreted the documents in a safe place.
  • She secreted away her savings in a hidden compartment.
  • The spy secreted the stolen information in a secure location.
Context #2 | Verb

produce and discharge

To produce and discharge a substance from a cell or gland.

Synonyms

emit, excrete, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
secrete

Please note that this is a duplicate entry of 'secrete'. Refer to the first item for context and examples.

release

This word is versatile and can be applied in various contexts where something is set free or made available. It can have both physical and abstract applications.

  • The company will release a new product next month
  • He decided to release the captured bird
excrete

Commonly used in a biological or medical context to describe the process by which organisms expel waste products from their body.

  • Kidneys excrete waste materials
  • The body excretes excess salts through sweat
emit

Best used when referring to something that sends out light, heat, sound, gas, etc. Can be used in both scientific and general contexts.

  • The bulb emits a bright light
  • Cars emit exhaust fumes

Examples of usage

  • The salivary glands secrete enzymes to aid in digestion.
  • The sebaceous glands secrete oil to keep the skin moisturized.

Translations

Translations of the word "secrete" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น secretar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅเคชเฅเคค เคฐเค–เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช absondern

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ merahasiakan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะตะบั€ะตั‚ัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wydzielaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅˆ†ๆณŒใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sรฉcrรฉter

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ secretar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท salgฤฑlamak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ„๋น„ํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠูุฑุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vyluฤovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vyluฤovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅˆ†ๆณŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ izloฤati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ seyta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑำฉะปัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ›แƒแƒงแƒแƒคแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ifraz etmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ secretar

Etymology

The word 'secrete' originates from the Latin word 'secretus', meaning separate or set apart. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the idea of hiding or concealing information. The dual usage of 'secrete' to describe both the act of hiding and the act of producing substances showcases the complexity of the word's etymology.

See also: secrecy, secret, secretary, secretion, secretive, secretively, secretly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,007, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.