ETYM Latin emissio: cf. French émission. Related to Emit.
1. The act of emitting; SYN. emanation.
2. The occurrence of a flow of water (as from a pipe).
3. The release of electrons from parent atoms.
ETYM Cf. French excrétion.
In biology, the removal of waste products from the cells of living organisms. In plants and simple animals, waste products are removed by diffusion, but in higher animals they are removed by specialized organs. In mammals the kidneys are the principle organs of excretion. Water and metabolic wastes are also excreted in the feces and, in humans, through the sweat glands; carbon dioxide and water are removed via the lungs.
1. The act of excreting.
2. That which is excreted; excrement.