Definition

1. Verb:
   • To eliminate waste matter from the body, especially from the blood or tissues, through a natural process such as urination, defecation, or sweating.
   • To separate and discharge (a substance) from the body.

Usage

• The verb "excrete" is used to describe the biological process of removing metabolic waste. It is a formal term common in scientific and medical contexts.
• It is a transitive verb, typically followed by the substance being eliminated (e.g., excrete waste, excrete toxins).
• The process or agent performing the action is the subject (e.g., The kidneys excrete urea).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The kidneys help to excrete excess salts and water from the blood.
  • Sweat glands excrete perspiration to help regulate body temperature.
  • The body must excrete the byproducts of digestion.

Advanced Usage

• "excrete something as something": To discharge a substance in a particular form.
  • Some marine animals excrete nitrogenous waste as ammonia.
• Used in passive voice:
  • The toxin is excreted primarily through the liver.

Variants and Related Words

• Excretion (n): The process of excreting; waste matter that is excreted.
  • Urine is a form of liquid excretion.
• Excretory (adj): Relating to the process of excretion.
  • The kidneys are part of the excretory system.

Synonyms

• Eliminate: To expel waste from the body.
• Secrete: (Note: This often implies producing and releasing a substance, like hormones, which may not always be waste. "Excrete" specifically refers to waste removal.)
• Discharge: To release or send out a substance.
• Expel: To force or drive out.

Antonyms

• Absorb: To take in or soak up.
• Ingest: To take (food, drink, or another substance) into the body.

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Excrete waste: The most common collocation.
• Excrete toxins: Often used in health and detoxification contexts.
• Excrete urine/feces: Specific to the waste products.

Verb

1. eliminate from the body
   • Pass a kidney stone