Secretion

(se-kre's hun.) (From Lat. secret is, a separation.] (Physiol.) The proce by which a gland or set of ve els in the animal system changes a fluid of one quality into a fluid of another quality. The organs of S. in the animal economy are of very various form and structure; but the most general are those denominated glands, q. v. (Bot.) Any organic but unorganized substance produced in the interior of plants. Sect, (sekt.) (From L. se cto, cut off.] A body of persons united in adhering to some philosophical or religious system, or who hold tenets at variance with those which are generally accepted or established. Most S. have originated in a particular individual, who taught and propagated some peculiar notions of doctrine or faith, and who is considered to have been its founder. Persons affiliated among a sect are termed sectaries or sectarians. Sectile, (sektil.) [From L. sectilis, susceptible of being cut.] (Min.) A term which denominates a mineral soft enough to be cut or sliced. [s. 810]