Janus Words

(contronyms or words which have definitions that are self-antonyms; that is, which have two meanings that are the opposites of each other)

secrete (verb), secretes; secreted; secreting
1. To produce and to give off some form of physiologically produced liquid or substance: Glands in the mouth secrete saliva and there are other functional areas in the body that also secrete enzymes, hormones, metabolites (chemical changes), etc.

Cells, glands, and organs secrete chemical substances (enzymes or hormones) which are needed for physical processes in various parts of the body.

2. To put something in a hidden or secret place: Mike was keeping his assets secreted in a foreign bank account.

Delores was secreting her savings in a special safe-deposit box in her local bank for greater security instead of at home.

3. Etymology, origin: from Latin secernere, "to set apart, to separate, to hide".
To hide or to conceal.
© ALL rights are reserved.

To keep secret or hidden.
© ALL rights are reserved.

To deposit in a place of hiding.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

stem (Janus word)
To start or to originate and to stop or to restrain.
trim (Janus word)
To remove from (~ the tree) and to add to (~ the Christmas tree).