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Secretion: meaning, definitions and examples

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secretion

 

[ sɪˈkriːʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical

The process of producing and releasing a substance from a cell, gland, or organ for a specific function in the body.

Synonyms

discharge, excretion, release

Examples of usage

  • Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and released into the bloodstream through the process of secretion.
  • Exocrine glands secrete enzymes through the process of secretion to aid in digestion.
  • The secretion of tears helps to keep the eyes lubricated and clean.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

The process of producing and releasing a substance by a plant or animal for various functions, such as defense or communication.

Synonyms

emission, excretion, exudation

Examples of usage

  • Bees use the secretion of pheromones to communicate with other members of the hive.
  • Certain plants secrete toxins as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
  • The secretion of nectar by flowers attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Translations

Translations of the word "secretion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 secreção

🇮🇳 स्राव

🇩🇪 Sekretion

🇮🇩 sekresi

🇺🇦 секреція

🇵🇱 wydzielanie

🇯🇵 分泌 (ぶんぴつ)

🇫🇷 sécrétion

🇪🇸 secreción

🇹🇷 salgı

🇰🇷 분비 (bunbi)

🇸🇦 إفراز (ifraz)

🇨🇿 sekrece

🇸🇰 sekrécia

🇨🇳 分泌 (fēnbì)

🇸🇮 izločanje

🇮🇸 seyting

🇰🇿 секреция

🇬🇪 გამოყოფა (gamok’opa)

🇦🇿 sekresiya

🇲🇽 secreción

Word origin

The word 'secretion' originated from the Latin word 'secretio', which means 'separation'. In the medical context, the term was first used in the 17th century to describe the process of releasing substances by glands or cells. Over time, the term has been widely adopted in both medical and biological fields to refer to the production and release of specific substances for various functions in organisms.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,168 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.