excrete

UK: ɪkˈskriːt | US: ɪkˈskriːt

Definition

  1. vt. to eliminate waste matter from the body (e.g., urine, sweat)

  2. vi. (of an organism) to discharge metabolic byproducts

Structure
ex <out>crete <separate>ex <out>crete <separate>
Etymology

The word "excrete" originates from Latin excretus, the past participle of excernere ("to sift out"). It combines ex- (out) + cernere (to separate), reflecting the biological process of filtering and expelling waste. Over time, it narrowed to specifically describe bodily waste elimination in scientific contexts.

Examples

  1. The kidneys excrete excess salts through urine.

  2. Plants excrete oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.

  3. Certain fungi excrete enzymes to break down organic matter.

  4. Sweat glands help the body excrete toxins.

  5. Marine animals excrete nitrogenous waste into the water.