secernent, a. and n.
(sɪˈsɜːnənt)
[ad. L. sēcernentem, pres. pple. of sēcernĕre: see secern v.]
A. adj. That secretes.
| 1822–29 Good's Study Med. (ed. 3) V. 261 Peculiar ferments, conveyed by the blood to the secernent organ. 1835–6 Todd's Cycl. Anat. I. 65/2 The activity of the nutritive, secernent, and absorbent processes. |
B. n. Phys. a. A secreting organ.
| 1808 Ann. Reg. 115 The secernents of its cutis exude a sweet, saccharine, nutritive gum. 1822–29 Good's Study Med. (ed. 3) V. 261 Whence, indeed, the name of Secernents or Secretories, which mean nothing more than separating powers. 1844 Hoblyn Dict. Med., Secernents. |
† b. Something which promotes secretion. Obs.—0
In Webster 1828, with reference to Darwin; see the following quot.:
| [1796 E. Darwin Zoon. II. 694 Those things which increase the irritative motions, which constitute secretion, are termed secernentia.] |