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excretion
(eks-kre´shәn)
the act, process, or function of excreting. Ordinarily, what is meant by excretion is defecation, the evacuation of feces. Technically, excretion can refer to the expulsion of any matter, whether from a single cell or
from the entire body, as well as to the matter excreted.
waste material eliminated from the body, including feces, urine, and sweat. Mucus and carbon dioxide also can be considered excretions. The organs of excretion are the intestinal tract, kidneys, lungs,
and skin. Called also excreta. adj., ex´cretory, adj.
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