Meanings
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1
noun
the biological process by which an organism removes metabolic waste or discharges a substance
The kidneys regulate the excretion of excess salts and water.
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2
noun
a substance discharged from a body, organ, or organism
The ants fed on the sweet excretion produced by the aphids.
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Etymology
Borrowed through French excretion from Late Latin excretio, from Latin excernere, 'to sift out, separate, or discharge,' formed from ex-, 'out,' + cernere, 'to separate or distinguish.' English specialized the noun for biological removal and for the material removed.