What does secretory mean?
Secretory is an adjective describing secretion, the process by which glands or cells produce and release substances such as hormones, enzymes, mucus, or digestive fluids. It is used mainly in biology and medicine, including expressions such as “secretory glands,” “secretory cells,” and “secretory activity.” The word is technical rather than everyday, so it is more appropriate in scientific, clinical, or educational contexts. Although secretory can suggest anything that releases a material, it usually refers specifically to a structured biological release carried out by specialized cells or organs. The term comes from the same Latin root underlying secret and secrete, reflecting the original idea of separating or setting apart.
adjectiveRelating to or involving the process of secretion, especially the release of a substance by a gland or cell.
- Relating to secretion or to the organs and tissues responsible for it.
"The doctor explained that the condition resulted from excessive secretory activity in the glands."
"Researchers studied the secretory activity of the cells under the microscope."
"The condition can affect the secretory function of the pancreas."
From the Latin root for “to separate,” secretory describes the biological work of making and releasing substances inside the body.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does secretory come from?
Secretory was formed in the 19th century from the English derivative secretion, which comes from Latin sēcrētiō, a noun meaning “a separation” or “act of separating,” based on sēcrētus, “separated, set apart, hidden.” The related English words secret and seclusion share this Latin origin, while their modern meanings also reflect the idea of something kept apart from view.
How secretory is actually used
Secretory is a specialized biological and medical term. It is normally used attributively, especially in phrases such as “secretory cells,” “secretory glands,” and “secretory activity.”
Easily confused with secretory
Secretory refers to the physiological process of releasing substances, whereas secretive describes a person who keeps information private.