excrete

Everyday

(science) To get rid of waste from the body, such as poo, urine (wee), sweat or carbon dioxide. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons excretion is one of the life processes of all living things (in «MRS GREN»: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition). The kidneys excrete urine, the lungs excrete carbon dioxide, and the skin excretes sweat. Plants excrete waste gases through their leaves.

Examples

• All living things excrete waste. tree →
• The kidneys excrete waste in urine. tree →
• We excrete carbon dioxide when we breathe out. tree →
• Plants excrete oxygen as a waste product of photosynthesis. tree →
• Sweat helps the body excrete some salt. tree →
• Excretion is one of the seven life processes. tree →

Note

Scientific word. Noun «excretion». Do not confuse with «secrete» (to make and release a useful liquid, like saliva) or with «excrement» (the solid waste itself).