secretion
n. C / Un. a substance that a plant or animal produces and releases for a specific purpose. It can also mean the process of making and releasing that substance.
n. the process by which a cell or gland produces and discharges a specific chemical substance; also refers to the substance itself. Often used in biological or physiological contexts.
The secretion of insulin helps control blood sugar.
Bees use a waxy secretion to build the complex structures of their hives.
The endocrine system regulates the secretion of hormones directly into the bloodstream to maintain internal balance and respond to external stressors.
(1646) From French sécrétion, from Latin sēcrētiō, sēcrētiōnem.
Uncountable when referring to the physiological process; countable when referring to specific types or instances of the substances produced.