Definition

A substance or hormone that causes or encourages the release of another substance, often related to bodily functions like digestion.

Example

Insulin is a secretagogue that helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new secretagogue supplement everyone's talking about?

Yeah, I read that it can help boost hormone levels naturally.

I wonder how effective it really is in stimulating secretion.

I guess it depends on the ingredients, but it sounds promising!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Secretagogue is formed from "secre" (from Latin "secreta", meaning to separate or set apart) and "-agogue" (from Greek "agōgos", meaning leader or that which leads). The word refers to a substance that leads to the secretion of another substance, particularly in a biological context.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'leads' ('-agogue') to the 'separation' or 'setting apart' ('secre') of a substance, which is what a secretagogue does.

Visually Confused Words