EXCRETION Meaning and
Definition
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Excretion is a biological process by which waste materials, toxins, and excess substances are removed from an organism's body. It is a vital function for maintaining homeostasis and the overall health and functioning of an organism.
In animals, excretion primarily occurs through specialized organs like the kidneys, liver, lungs, and skin. The kidneys play a significant role in excretion by filtering the blood and removing waste products such as urea, excess water, and electrolytes in the form of urine. The liver eliminates toxins and by-products of metabolism through a process called detoxification, while the lungs excrete carbon dioxide and some water vapor during respiration. Additionally, the skin excretes water, electrolytes, and small amounts of waste products through sweating.
In plants, excretion mainly happens through stomata, tiny openings on the surface of leaves and stems that release water vapor, oxygen, and small amounts of waste substances. The process of excretion in plants is closely linked to photosynthesis and transpiration, as it regulates the exchange of gases and maintains the integrity of the plant's internal environment.
Overall, excretion is a fundamental process in living organisms that helps rid the body of waste products, maintain a stable internal environment, and ensure proper functioning and survival.
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1. The process whereby the undigested residue of food and the waste products of metabolism are thrown out of the body. 2. The product of a gland which is waste material to be passed out of the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A throwing off or voiding matter from an animal body; any matter excreted; a discharge from the bowels.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of EXCRETION
The word "excretion" derives from the Latin term "excretio", which is the noun form of the verb "excretus". "Excretus" is the past participle of the Latin verb "excernere", meaning "to separate", "to sift out", or "to discharge". In Latin, "ex-" denotes "out of", and "cernere" means "to sift" or "to separate". Therefore, "excretio" refers to the act of separating or discharging waste products from the body. This root word eventually evolved into the English term "excretion", which still retains its original meaning.
Similar spelling words for EXCRETION
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