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Definition of excretion

excretion

/ɪkˈskriːʃən/
ex · cre · tion
Plural:excretions
•
Adjective:excretory
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excretion Lexical Profile

excretion Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The biological process of eliminating or expelling metabolic waste matter from a living organism or cell.

Example

"The kidneys play a vital role in the filtration of blood and the excretion of metabolic waste."

2

Waste matter, such as urine, sweat, or feces, discharged from the body.

Example

"Laboratory technicians analyzed the bodily excretions to check for traces of the medication."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In biology, 'excretion' refers specifically to the elimination of metabolic waste products (such as urine and sweat), whereas 'secretion' refers to the release of useful substances (such as hormones or saliva) produced by cells or glands.

• Rhymes for excretion

• Nearby Words

excremental
excreta
excrete
excretion
excretory
excruciating
excruciatingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French or directly from Latin excretio ('that which is sifted out'), from excernere ('to sift out, separate, discharge'), formed from ex- ('out') and cernere ('to sift, distinguish').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Excretion. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/excretion
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