What does secrete mean?
“Secrete” is chiefly used for the production and release of substances by glands or cells. For example, endocrine glands secrete hormones, while specialized cells may secrete enzymes, mucus, or other chemical products. The word is especially associated with biology, medicine, and biochemistry, but it can also describe the release of a substance more generally. In formal or literary contexts, “secrete” has the older and less common meaning of hiding or concealing something. This second sense appears in expressions such as “secrete information.” The distinction between the meanings is useful because the biological sense concerns a controlled release by a living organism, whereas the concealment sense concerns keeping something out of public view. Although plain words such as “release,” “produce,” and “hide” are often more suitable in general communication, “secrete” gives greater technical precision when describing the activity of glands or cells.
verbTo produce and release a substance, especially a secretion from a gland or cell. In formal or literary use, it can also mean to conceal or keep something secret.
- To produce and release a substance, especially from a gland or cell.
- To conceal or keep something hidden, especially in formal or literary contexts.
"The endocrine glands secrete hormones that regulate many bodily functions."
"The pituitary gland secretes hormones that influence growth and metabolism."
"The witness agreed to secrete the details of the investigation."
Every breath, swallow, and meal gives your glands a signal to secrete carefully timed chemical messengers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does secrete come from?
The word comes from Latin sēcrēre, meaning “to hide” or “to conceal,” related to sēcretus, meaning “hidden” or “set apart.” Its later scientific meaning developed alongside the history of medicine, as researchers described the process by which glands produce and discharge substances. English cognates include “secret,” “secrecy,” and “secretive,” which preserve the older sense of concealment.
Related word forms
How secrete is actually used
In its biological sense, “secrete” is technical but common in medicine and science. The meaning “to conceal” is formal and less frequent; in everyday English, “hide” or “keep secret” is usually more natural.
Easily confused with secrete
“Secrete” is a verb meaning to release a substance or conceal something, while “secret” is a noun or adjective meaning something kept hidden.