The spelling of the word "secrete" can be confusing because it is often mistaken for the similar-sounding word "secret." However, "secrete" is actually pronounced with the stress on the second syllable: /sɪˈkriːt/. This word means to produce and discharge a substance, such as a gland releasing a hormone. So, if you are talking about secretion, be sure to use the correct spelling and pronunciation of "secrete" to avoid any misunderstandings!
The verb "secrete" has multiple meanings depending on the context. The principal definition of "secrete" refers to the act of producing and releasing a substance, typically from glands or cells within an organism. This secretion process is usually carried out by specialized structures or organs, such as sweat glands, salivary glands, or endocrine glands. These secretory mechanisms play critical roles in the body's functioning, aiding in various physiological processes, including digestion, excretion, and immune response. For instance, the salivary glands secrete saliva, which aids in the breakdown of food, while the endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily functions.
However, "secrete" can also describe the act of hiding or concealing something, particularly information or objects, often with the intention of keeping it undisclosed or protected. In this sense, "secrete" implies a deliberate and secretive action, as if keeping something hidden away. It can be used metaphorically to describe actions such as safeguarding confidential documents, concealing valuables, or withholding information from others.
Overall, "secrete" primarily refers to the biological process of producing and releasing substances within an organism, but can also signify concealing or hiding something with the intention of keeping it protected or undisclosed.
To elaborate or produce a substance from the blood, the sap of plants, or other material not previously containing it.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
To conceal; to remove from observation, or from the knowledge of others; in animals, to separate or produce from the blood, or its constituents, substances different from the blood itself; in plants, to separate substances from the sap.
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 "secrete" comes from the Latin verb "secretare", which means "to hide, to conceal". It is derived from the Latin noun "secretum", meaning "a secret". This Latin noun is related to the verb "secernere", meaning "to separate, to set apart". Over time, the word "secrete" was adopted into English, retaining its original sense of something being hidden or concealed.