I. sə̇ˈkrēt, sēˈ-, usu -rēd.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: back-formation from secretion
transitive verb
1. : to produce and emit (a secretion) from a gland
2. : to produce or generate in the manner of a gland
to trust … to the facts to secrete a purpose of their own — Archibald MacLeish
intransitive verb
: to produce and emit a secretion
the mucosa was secreting normally
II. sə̇ˈkrē]t, sēˈ-, ˈsēkrə̇], usu ]d.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Latin secretus, past participle of secernere to separate, distinguish) of secret (IV)
1. : to deposit or conceal in a hiding place : hide
he will secrete a small piece of iron about his person — J.G.Frazer
2. : to appropriate (another's possessions) secretly : abstract
Synonyms: see conceal
III. sə̇ˈkrēt, sēˈ-, usu -rēd.+V\ transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: French secréter, from secret, n.; probably from the fact that the process was originally a trade secret — more at secret
: carrot II