Definition

1. Noun:
   • A functionally specialized substance (especially one that is not a waste) released from a gland or cell: This refers to the specific, often useful, fluid or substance produced and discharged by a specialized part of an organism.
   • The organic process of synthesizing and releasing some substance: This refers to the biological activity or function of producing and discharging such a substance.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Substance):
  • Saliva is a secretion that aids in digestion.
  • The plant's nectar secretion attracts pollinators.
• Noun (Process):
  • The secretion of hormones is regulated by the brain.
  • Impaired secretion can lead to health problems.

Advanced Usage

• "Internal secretion": An older term for a hormone, a substance secreted directly into the bloodstream.
  • Insulin is a crucial internal secretion for regulating blood sugar.
• "Secretion rate": The speed or quantity at which a substance is produced and released.
  • The study measured the gastric juice secretion rate after a meal.

Variants and Related Words

• Secrete (verb): To produce and discharge a substance.
  • Glands secrete various fluids.
• Secretory (adjective): Relating to or involved in secretion.
  • The secretory function of the pancreas is vital.

Synonyms

• Discharge (noun/verb): The process of releasing or the substance released.
• Exudation (noun): The process of oozing out a fluid, often used in botany or medicine.

Related Phrases

• Secretion system: A biological system responsible for the transport of molecules.
  • Bacteria use a type III secretion system to inject proteins into host cells.

Noun

1. a functionally specialized substance (especially one that is not a waste) released from a gland or cell
2. the organic process of synthesizing and releasing some substance