Reading Theme:
Secrete Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：Release fluid (secrete)
secrete
/sɪˈkriːt/
v.
When part of your body secretes a liquid, it makes and releases that liquid.
Release fluid
➕
/rɪˈliːs ˈfluːɪd/
v.
When a gland or cell produces and releases a substance, such as a fluid or enzyme, into the body or onto a surface.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'secretus' (separated), from 'se-' (apart) + 'cernere' (to sift).
💡 Mnemonic
Remember: 'secrete' has both a biological and a spy sense—both involve separating something away.
📖 Example
When bees collect nectar, glands in their bodies secrete wax to build their honeycombs.
When bees collect nectar, glands in their bodies secrete wax to build their honeycombs.
🔗 Collocations
secrete hormones – produce and release hormones
secrete enzymes – produce and release enzymes
secrete sweat – produce and release sweat from sweat glands
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originally meaning 'to separate' in Latin, 'secrete' entered English in the 14th century. Its dual meanings—'release fluid' and 'conceal'—both stem from the core idea of 'setting apart'.
Meaning 2：Hide secretly (secrete)
secrete
/sɪˈkriːt/
v.
To secretly hide something, especially something small.
Hide secretly
➕
/haɪd ˈsiːkrɪtli/
v.
To hide or store something in a secret place, often with the intention of keeping it undiscovered.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the old spy movie, the agent managed to secrete the microfilm inside a hollowed-out coin.
In the old spy movie, the agent managed to hide the microfilm inside a hollowed-out coin.
🔗 Collocations
secrete evidence – hide evidence to avoid detection
secrete a document – hide a document in a secret location
secrete a key – hide a key for later retrieval
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
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