Word
secretion
Phoneticsse·cre·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈkɹiʃən/
UK/sɪkɹˈiːʃən/
Definitions
01the substance produced
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a liquid or substance that a plant or animal produces for a special purpose.
n. a substance, such as a hormone or enzyme, that is produced and discharged by a cell, gland, or organ for a specific function.
“The sticky secretion on the plant's leaves helps it catch small insects.”
“Biologists analyzed the oily secretion from the bird's glands, which serves to waterproof its feathers during long migrations.”
Usage
Commonly used as a countable noun when referring to specific types of substances.
Synonyms
02the process of releasing
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. the natural process of a body part releasing a substance.
n. the physiological process by which a cell or gland synthesizes and releases a specific product.
“Stress can lead to the secretion of certain hormones in the body.”
“The excessive secretion of stomach acid can lead to discomfort and long-term digestive issues if left untreated.”
Usage
Often functions as an uncountable noun when describing the biological mechanism.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03hiding something
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of hiding something away so others cannot find it.
n. the act of concealing or hiding something from view or discovery.
“The secretion of the stolen documents in a floorboard kept them safe for years.”
“The rapid secretion of the assets into offshore accounts made it difficult for the investigators to track the funds.”
Usage
This sense is related to the verb 'secrete' meaning to hide, rather than the biological meaning.
Teaching tip
This sense is much rarer than the biological one; students are more likely to encounter it in formal literature or legal contexts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“When these are activated, it can lead to issues like increased stomach acid secretion, flushing and headache.” “This gene encodes an esterase enzyme equipped with both a secretion signal, which directs the enzyme out of the cell, and a membrane-bound lipid anchor.” Etymology
(1646) From French sécrétion, from Latin sēcrētiō, sēcrētiōnem.
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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