What does secreting mean?
Secreting is the present participle of the verb secrete and has two related but distinct uses. In biology and medicine, it means producing and releasing a substance, usually a liquid or chemical such as a hormone, enzyme, toxin, or digestive fluid. Glands and specialized cells are commonly described as secreting these substances into or onto a body surface. In a more general sense, secreting means hiding or keeping something concealed, especially information, documents, or possessions. The biological sense is the dominant modern usage and is more technical than everyday expressions such as producing, releasing, or giving off. The word is useful because it connects the familiar idea of a gland releasing a chemical with the older figurative idea of keeping something secret.
To produce and release a secretion, especially a substance such as a hormone, enzyme, or other fluid from a cell or gland.
"The cells are secreting an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates."
Technical and especially common in biology, medicine, and biochemistry.
To conceal or keep something hidden.
"The witness was accused of secreting evidence during the investigation."
Less common in everyday speech, where 'hiding' or 'concealing' is usually preferred.
Every gland is a tiny publishing house: it secretes chemical messages that travel through the body.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does secreting come from?
The word derives from Latin secrētus, meaning hidden or separate, which developed through the verb secernere, meaning to separate or set apart. English borrowed the associated forms in the 16th century, initially especially in the sense of separating or making known. The modern biological sense developed from the idea of a gland producing a substance that is released or set apart from the gland. The sense meaning to conceal is also ancient and continues the Latin association with secrecy and concealment.
How secreting is actually used
In its biological sense, secreting is formal and technical. In the sense of hiding something, it is less common than 'concealing' or 'hiding' in everyday speech.
Easily confused with secreting
A secret is information or an object that is meant to remain hidden, whereas secreting describes the act of releasing a substance or concealing something.