secretion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “secretion” mean?
The process by which cells, glands, or organs produce and release a substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process by which cells, glands, or organs produce and release a substance.
The substance that is secreted; also used metaphorically to describe something produced gradually and often secretly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning; metaphorical use is slightly more common in British academic writing.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts; can carry a negative connotation (secrecy, concealment) in metaphorical use.
Frequency
More frequent in scientific/medical texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “secretion” in a Sentence
the secretion of [substance] by [organ][organ] secretes [substance]secretion into [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secretion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gland secretes enzymes to aid digestion.
- Cells secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
American English
- The stomach secretes acid to break down food.
- The plant secretes a sticky substance to trap insects.
adverb
British English
- The substance is secreted actively.
- The gland functions secretorily.
American English
- Hormones are secreted directly into the blood.
- The process occurs secretorily.
adjective
British English
- The secretory pathway was disrupted.
- He studied secretory cells under the microscope.
American English
- The secretory function of the organ was impaired.
- Secretory vesicles carry the material to the membrane.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in biotech/pharma contexts.
Academic
Common in biology, medicine, physiology.
Everyday
Uncommon; restricted to discussions of health/medicine.
Technical
Core term in medical and biological sciences.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secretion”
- Using 'secretion' to mean 'hiding' (confusion with 'secrecy').
- Misspelling as 'secretation'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'secrete').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Secretion is the release of a substance produced by a cell or gland for a specific function (e.g., hormones, enzymes). Excretion is the removal of waste products from the body (e.g., urine, carbon dioxide).
No. The noun is 'secretion'. The related verb is 'secrete' (pronounced similarly).
No. It is a specialised term most commonly used in scientific, medical, or biological contexts.
'Secrete' is a verb meaning 'to produce and release a substance'. 'Secretion' is a noun referring either to the process of secreting or to the substance that is secreted.
The process by which cells, glands, or organs produce and release a substance.
Secretion is usually formal/technical in register.
Secretion: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈkriːʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪˈkriːʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A secretion of lies (metaphorical, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SECRETion - glands keep their production a SECRET until they release it.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A FACTORY (producing and releasing substances).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a secretion?