secreting
Tucking away covertly
Secreting is the present participle of two different verbs.
One secrete means to produce and release a substance from cells or glands: The pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream.
The other secrete means to hide something away in a concealed place: She was caught secreting documents in her briefcase.
Context usually makes clear which meaning applies—biological processes versus deliberate concealment.
Seep gradually out
- seepFlow slowly through
- exudeDischarge gradually through pores
- weepShed tears emotionally
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
emit · leak · excrete · transude · perspire · sweat · bleed · drip
ooze
Seep gradually out
discharge · emit · leak · excrete · transude · perspire · sweat · bleed · drip · percolate
hormone
Body's chemical messenger
- insulinPancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
- salivaMouth's digestive secretion
- bileLiver-made digestive fluid
mucus · sebum · tears · milk · adrenaline · cortisol · enzyme · gastric · digestive · endocrine
stash
Hidden reserve
hideaway · tuckaway · squirrel · hoard · stow · harbor · shelter · sequester · ensconce · bury
- digestionstomach acid, swallowing, digesting, chewing, digestion
- concealmentconceal, hiding, concealing, concealed, hide
secretingabsorbing
Holding attention completely
reabsorbing · ingesting · assimilating · retaining · withholding
secretingrevealing
Making known what's hidden
exposing · disclosing · uncovering · displaying · showing
- secretive gatheringsHidden group convocations
- secretive creaturesAnimals prone to concealment