Word
secrete
Phoneticsse·crete, stress on the second syllable
US/sɪˈkɹit/
UK/sɪkɹˈiːt/
Definitions
01biological production
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
v. to produce and release a liquid substance from a cell, gland, or organ.
v. to generate and release a substance from a cell or gland for a specific physiological function or as waste.
“The glands in your skin secrete oil to keep it soft and healthy.”
“The pancreas secretes insulin directly into the bloodstream to regulate glucose levels after a meal.”
Antonyms
02to hide
C2 · Proficiency Formal
v. to hide something in a secret place.
v. to conceal or hide something away, often in a small or private space.
Español:secretear
“He managed to secrete the stolen documents inside the lining of his coat.”
“The spy had secreted a miniature camera within a hollowed-out book on the library shelf.”
Real-World Examples
“In the early 1980s, humans discovered that the toad’s poison glands secrete a venom that contains, among other chemicals, 5-MeO-DMT, a potent hallucinogen also known as the “God molecule”.” “Unlike other pests that eat crops outright, Hessian fly larvae secrete chemicals through their saliva into plant cells.” “The team interpreted these layers as material diatoms secrete when they are badly stressed.” “The slime is highly valued as an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredient in certain skin care products, and snails can secrete different kinds of mucus with properties tailored to specific functions.” Etymology
First attested in 1678: from Latin sēcrētus (“[having been] separated”).
First directly attested in 1728; attested as the past-participial adjective secreted in 1707: from Latin sēcrētus, perfect passive participle of sēcernō (“I separate”); reinforced by back-formation from secretion; compare secern; cognate with French sécréter and the Spanish secretar.
Alteration of secret.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0