: waste matter (such as feces) eliminated or separated from the body

Examples of excreta in a Sentence

the cage badly needed to be cleaned of the rabbit's excreta
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And during a population rebound, nutrients from the shedding of skin, hair, and excreta into soil could nourish fungal growth. Bymeredith Wadman, science.org, 16 Jan. 2025 The excreta of spiders Annals of the Entomological Society of America. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of excretus

First Known Use

1757, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excreta was in 1757

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excreta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excreta. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

excreta

plural noun
: waste matter eliminated or separated from the body

Medical Definition

excreta

noun plural
: waste matter (as feces) eliminated or separated from the body compare excretion sense 2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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