secern verb. [sɪ'sǝ:n] Now rare. E17.
[Latin secernere, formed as SE- + cernere to separate.]
1. Physiology.
a. verb intrans. Separate a substance or substances from the blood. Chiefly as secerning ppl adjective. E17-M19.
b. verb trans. Separate (a substance) from the blood, esp. (according to former physiological theory) in order to secrete it. M17-M19.

2. verb trans. Separate. Latterly spec. separate in thought, place in a separate category, distinguish. M17.

■ secernment noun the action of secerning something E19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲