verb
secrete
sih-KREET
Secrete (verb) means of a gland, cell, or plant, to produce and release a substance. Example: “The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar.”
verb
1
Of a gland, cell, or plant, to produce and release a substance.
"The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar."
"Some frogs secrete a toxin through their skin."
2
To hide something in a safe or concealed place.
"He secreted the documents in a hidden drawer."
How to use secrete
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a body producing and releasing a substance (like sweat or hormones), or hiding something away.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "secret" (the adjective/noun) — "secrete" is a verb about producing a substance or hiding something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
secrete hormones
secrete a fluid
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- secretes
- Past tense
- secreted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pancreas _____ insulin to regulate blood sugar.
Etymology
First recorded in 1678, from Latin "sēcrētus" ("separated, hidden").
Class of 1678
secrete joined the language around 1678.
See the full Class of 1678 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for secrete
See all rhymes for secrete →Frequently asked questions
What does “secrete” mean?
The word “secrete” means of a gland, cell, or plant, to produce and release a substance. In plain terms, either a body producing and releasing a substance (like sweat or hormones), or hiding something away.
How do you pronounce “secrete”?
“Secrete” is pronounced sih-KREET (/sɪˈkɹiːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “secrete” in a sentence?
Here is “secrete” used in a sentence: “The pancreas secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar.”
What part of speech is “secrete”?
“Secrete” is a verb.
Where does the word “secrete” come from?
The word “secrete” dates back to around 1678 and comes from Latin. First recorded in 1678, from Latin "sēcrētus" ("separated, hidden").
How many meanings does “secrete” have?
“Secrete” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: of a gland, cell, or plant, to produce and release a substance.
