secreted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secreted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in biological or medical contexts to describe the process of a substance being produced and released by cells or glands. Example: "The pancreas secreted insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

6. Red ribbons Growing up there was not a bed in our home that didn't have a red ribbon secreted under the mattress.

The Guardian

She now weighs about 150 pounds, most of her health problems have vanished, and she cycles with no trouble.Once their stomachs are tiny, most patients not only eat far less but also lose the desire to over-eat, possibly because of changes in a hormone called ghrelin that is secreted by the stomach.

The Economist

Moisture secreted through the nostrils evaporates as the camel breathes in, cooling the nostrils in the process.

The Economist

His exploits involved a series of disguises, a "spider hole" dug in the sand in which he secreted himself and observed police, and then made a dash across Latin America until a magazine covering his flight uploaded a photo without scrubbing embedded GPS co-ordinates that revealed his whereabouts in Guatemala.

The Economist

The Nazis did catch her (thinking she was a small cog, not the linchpin of the rescue scheme) but did not find the files, secreted in a friend's armpit.

The Economist

Displaying an impressive familiarity with J.K. Rowling's oeuvre, he added that Yasukuni was a "horcrux", a receptacle where the evil one secreted part of his soul.

The Economist

And now it is the turn of animal toxins, as researchers examine venoms secreted by snakes and lizards, to see if they, too, might be turned into treatments.Snake venom, collected from farmed reptiles, has been used to make antisera for snake bites for decades by injecting it into mammals such as sheep and horses, and collecting the antibodies thus generated.

The Economist

Sometimes referred to as the "cuddle hormone", this is secreted in childbirth and during breastfeeding, and seems to encourage pair-bonding and trust in others.

The Economist

The urge to multiply their genes across partners is greater than their need to procreate, thus bucking the trend of monogamy that is common among arthropods.But it is still not clear why the pheromones secreted by females who have mated once smell differently from those who have mated twice.

The Economist

Normally such plugs are secreted by the male, to stymie subsequent suitors.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Despite extensive scrubbing, spraying and layering with Odor-Eaters, my desert boots were secreting such a toxic whiff that they had to be thrown away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the action of glands or cells releasing substances, use "secreted" to convey a precise and scientific tone. For example, "The glands secreted hormones into the bloodstream."

Common error

Avoid using "secreted" when you mean "hidden". "Secreted" refers to the process of a substance being produced and discharged, while "hidden" means concealed or out of sight. For example, it's incorrect to say "The treasure was secreted in the cave" when you mean "The treasure was hidden in the cave".

Linguistic Context

The word "secreted" functions primarily as a past participle or past tense verb, often used in scientific and medical contexts to describe the process by which cells or glands release substances. Ludwig shows examples from reputable sources using "secreted" in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secreted" is a past participle and past tense verb with a strong presence in scientific and medical writing. Its usage denotes the release of substances by cells or glands. Ludwig AI confirms this with its analysis, indicating the term is grammatically sound and appropriate for formal contexts. While synonyms like "released" or "discharged" exist, "secreted" offers a specific nuance suited for technical discussions. The high frequency across authoritative sources like The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

released

Focuses on the act of letting something out, often applicable when discussing fluids or substances.

discharged

Implies a more forceful or deliberate emission of a substance.

excreted

Specifically refers to the elimination of waste products from the body.

emitted

Suggests the giving off of light, heat, or other radiation.

produced

Highlights the creation or manufacturing of a substance by a gland or cell.

elaborated

Describes the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones.

delivered

Focuses on the transport and release of a substance to a specific location.

expressed

Relates to the production of a gene product, such as a protein.

extruded

Indicates the forcing out of a substance through an opening.

seeped

Describes the slow or gradual emission of a liquid.

FAQs

How is "secreted" used in biological contexts?

In biology, "secreted" describes the process where cells or glands release substances. For instance, hormones are "released" or "secreted" into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

What's the difference between "secreted" and "excreted"?

"Secreted" refers to the release of useful substances by cells or glands, like hormones or enzymes. "Excreted", on the other hand, denotes the elimination of waste products from the body.

What are some synonyms for "secreted"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "secreted" include "released", "discharged", "produced", or "emitted". Choose the synonym that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "secreted" to describe hiding something?

No, "secreted" should not be used to describe hiding something. The correct word for concealing something is "hidden". "Secreted" refers specifically to the release of substances by cells or glands.