Secrete

Pronunciation: /sɪˈkrit/

Definitions of secrete

verb to produce and discharge a substance from a cell or gland

Example Sentences

A1 Some animals secrete a foul-smelling liquid when they feel threatened.

A2 Certain plants secrete a sticky substance to protect themselves from insects.

B1 The human body can secrete hormones that regulate various bodily functions.

B2 Certain glands in the body secrete enzymes that aid in digestion.

C1 The company was found to secrete confidential information to gain a competitive advantage.

C2 The government agency was accused of secreting classified documents to avoid public scrutiny.

Examples of secrete in a Sentence

formal Certain glands in the body secrete hormones to regulate various bodily functions.

informal Did you know that some plants secrete substances to protect themselves from pests?

slang I heard that some animals secrete a stinky liquid when they feel threatened.

figurative The artist seemed to secrete creativity from every pore, constantly producing amazing work.

Grammatical Forms of secrete

• past tense: secreted
• plural: secrete
• comparative: more secret
• superlative: most secret
• present tense: secretes
• future tense: will secrete
• perfect tense: has secreted
• continuous tense: is secreting
• singular: secretes
• positive degree: secret
• infinitive: secrete
• gerund: secreting
• participle: secreted

Origin and Evolution of secrete

First Known Use: 1650 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'secrete' originated from the Latin word 'secretus' which means 'separated' or 'hidden'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 17th century to mean 'to hide or conceal', the word 'secrete' has evolved to also mean 'to produce and discharge a substance' in a biological context.