Pronunciation: [ɛkskɹˈiːt] (IPA) 
The word "excrete" is spelled /ɪkˈskriːt/. The first syllable "ex" is pronounced as "eks" and the second syllable "crete" is pronounced as "kreet". The "x" in "ex" is pronounced as "ks" and the "c" in "crete" is pronounced as "k". The word means to eliminate waste or unwanted substances from the body. It is commonly used in biology and medicine to describe the process of removing metabolic waste products from living organisms.
Excrete is a verb that refers to the process of eliminating waste materials or unwanted substances from the body or organs of living organisms. It involves the expulsion or secretion of these substances through various body systems and organs responsible for waste management.
The term primarily applies to the elimination of waste products generated by metabolic processes in living beings, such as carbon dioxide, urea, and water. For instance, animals excrete waste materials primarily through the urinary system, by-products of metabolism being filtered out of the blood and expelled as urine. Similarly, humans excrete waste through organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and intestines.
Plants also excrete substances, particularly during the process of respiration and photosynthesis. However, plant excretion typically occurs on a cellular level, releasing substances such as oxygen, water, and volatile organic compounds.
Excretion plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis within an organism. It helps regulate the levels of different compounds and prevent the accumulation of toxic substances. Additionally, proper excretion also aids in maintaining the pH balance, osmotic pressure, and overall internal stability of an organism.
In summary, the term "excrete" describes the natural process by which organisms eliminate waste products and unwanted substances to maintain their overall health and balance.
To separate from the blood and cast out, noting the function of glands the product of whose activity is waste matter and not utilized in the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
To separate and throw off; to discharge from the body; to strain out.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "excrete" originated from the Latin word "excretus", which is the past participle of the verb "excernere". "Excernere" is a compound of "ex", meaning "out", and "cernere", meaning "to sift, separate, or distinguish". Essentially, the term "excrete" is derived from Latin roots that convey the process of separating or eliminating waste materials from the body.
