What does secreted mean?
Secreted has two established senses. In its principal scientific and medical use, it means produced and released by a gland, cell, or similar biological structure. Glands secrete substances such as hormones, enzymes, mucus, and digestive fluids, which may be released into the bloodstream or into a body cavity. The word also means hidden or deliberately kept out of view, as in “secreted treasure,” though this use is now chiefly literary or participial. Secreted is the past tense and past participle of the verb secrete and is also used attributively to describe a hidden object or a substance released by a gland. Its biological sense is especially useful because “secrete” is a formal term for a controlled process of production and discharge, distinguishing it from the broader idea of simply releasing or spilling something.
To produce and release a substance, especially from a gland or cell; also, to conceal or keep something out of view.
"The pituitary gland secreted several hormones during the experiment."
This is the past tense and past participle of secrete. The biological sense is technical, while the sense of concealment is literary or formal.
Hidden or kept out of view; produced and released by a gland or other biological structure.
"The researchers detected the secreted compound in the tissue sample."
Usually used attributively in formal or technical contexts.
What glands secrete can transform the body: a single hormone released in a tiny amount may affect an entire organ.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does secreted come from?
The word derives from Latin secrētāre, meaning “to separate, set apart,” and ultimately from secernere, “to separate.” The same Latin root underlies terms associated with biological secretion, including secretion, secretory, excretion, and excretory. The sense of setting something apart developed into the modern ideas of producing a bodily substance and of keeping something concealed.
Related word forms
How secreted is actually used
In the biological sense, which is dominant in scientific and medical contexts, the word describes the production and discharge of a substance by a gland or cell. The sense meaning hidden is more literary and is now most often encountered in participles such as “secreted treasure.” As a verb, this form represents both the past tense and the past participle.
Easily confused with secreted
A secret is information that is kept confidential, whereas something secreted is either biologically released or physically hidden.