excrete
/eks'kri:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- eliminate from the body
- Pass a kidney stone