secern
[si-
surn
]
/sɪˈsɜrn/
verb (used with object)
1.
to discriminate or distinguish in thought.
verb (used without object)
2.
to become secerned.
Origin
1620-30;
<
Latin
sēcernere,
equivalent to
sē-
se-
+
cernere
to sift (cf.
discern
)
Related forms
secernment,
noun
British Dictionary definitions for
secern
secern
/
sɪˈsɜːn
/
verb
(
transitive
) (
rare
)
1.
(of a gland or follicle) to secrete
2.
to distinguish or discriminate
Derived Forms
secernment,
noun
Word Origin
C17: from Latin
sēcernere
to separate, from
sē-
apart +
cernere
to distinguish