Meaning & use

secrete

verb·Academic

To produce and release a substance, especially from a gland or cell in a living organism.

See it in a sentence

The pancreas secretes insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels in the body.

Certain frogs secrete a toxin through their skin to deter predators.

A note on using this word

Do not confuse with "secret" as an adjective; "secrete" also has a rarer sense meaning to hide something away.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To hide something in a place where it will not be found.

He secreted the letter in a drawer where no one would think to look.

Make it your own

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