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excrete

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Excretion is the process by which the body gets rid of waste products. These waste products are produced by the body's cells as they break down food and other substances.

The main waste products that are excreted are urine, faeces, and sweat. Urine is produced by the kidneys and is a liquid waste product. Faeces are produced by the intestines and are a solid waste product. Sweat is produced by the sweat glands and is a liquid waste product.

Excretion is an important process because it helps to keep the body clean and healthy. Waste products can be harmful to the body if they are not removed.

How can the word be used?

To excrete something is to remove it from the body as a waste product.

excrete

Different forms of the word

Noun: excretion, waste product.

Adjective: excretory.

Verb: to excrete.

Synonyms: discharge, eliminate, void.

Etymology

The word "excretion" comes from the Latin word excrere, which means "to separate, to discharge." It was first used in English in the 14th century, and it is still used today to refer to the process by which waste products are removed from the body.

Question

What does excrete mean?