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Excretion - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Excretion is the biological process by which organisms eliminate waste products and harmful substances from their bodies, such as through urine, sweat, or carbon dioxide release during breathing.

excretion

/ɪkˈskriːʃən/ /ɪkˈskriːʃən/

Definition:

The process of eliminating waste products from the body or an organism.

Synonyms:

elimination, discharge, secretion, expulsion

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

retention, absorption

Common Collocations:

waste excretion, bodily excretion, metabolic excretion, urinary excretion

Derivatives:

excrete, excretory

Usage Tips:

Use "excretion" to describe biological waste removal processes in living organisms.

Common Phrases:

excretion of toxins, natural excretion, excessive excretion

Etymology:

From Latin "excretio," meaning separation or discharge, derived from "excernere" (to sift out).

Examples:

  • 1. The kidneys play a key role in excretion.
  • 2. Plants also perform excretion through their leaves and roots.
  • 3. Excretion helps maintain homeostasis in the body.
  • 4. Some medications affect the rate of excretion in humans.

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