3 syllables: Ex, o, crine. Stress on Ex.
EK-soh-kreyen
/ˈɛk.soʊˌkraɪn/
Exocrine is pronounced EK-soh-kreyen (/ˈɛk.soʊˌkraɪn/). It has three syllables (Ex-o-crine), with the stress on "Ex". Exocrine is a biological term describing glands that secrete substances through ducts to an epithelial surface, such as enzymes into the digestive tract. It contrasts with endocrine glands, which release hormones directly into the bloodstream. The word, typically used in physiology and anatomy, is often encountered in advanced medical or scientific contexts.
nounExocrine is a biological term describing glands that secrete substances through ducts to an epithelial surface, such as enzymes into the digestive tract. It contrasts with endocrine glands, which release hormones directly into the bloodstream. The word, typically used in physiology and anatomy, is often encountered in advanced medical or scientific contexts.
"The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions."
"Exocrine glands release enzymes into ducts that lead to specific body surfaces."
"In the study of physiology, exocrine secretion plays a key role in digestion."
Exocrine is pronounced ek-SOHR-yn (US) or ek-suh-RYNE (UK/AU). The primary stress sits on the second syllable: /ˌekˈsä-krīn/ in a simplified form. For precise phonetics, say e-k-SOHR-yn, with the 'SOHR' sustained like in 'store' and the final 'yn' as a short, clear 'in' sound. Listening to a native source can help confirm the exact vowel quality. Audio reference: try Cambridge and Forvo pronunciations for 'exocrine'.
Common errors include over-mustering the second syllable, pronouncing it as ek-oh-KRINE or ek-oh-CRINE with equal stress, and slurring the final -ine into an indistinct -in. Correct by keeping primary stress on the second syllable and ensuring the final -ine sounds like 'yn' with a clear short i. Practice the sequence ek-SOHR-yn, focusing on a crisp, clipped final consonant before the vowel onset of the last syllable.
In US English, you’ll hear ek-SOHR-yn with rhotic r quality in the middle syllable and a clear 'yn' ending. UK and AU typically reduce the second syllable slightly but retain the /ɔː/ or /ɒ/ quality for 'so-' and a final relaxed 'yn' like 'line' without extra r-coloring. The main differences are rhoticity and vowel length. Practice by comparing US ek-SOHR-yn to UK ek-suh-RINE and AU ek-struh-RINE to internalize the subtle shifts.
The difficulty lies in the two-syllable sequence with a stressed second syllable and the 'ex-o-' onset where the first vowel reduces slightly before a robust 'SOHR' or 'suh-RYNE' nucleus. The final -ine cluster requires a crisp stop before a light nasal. Focus on reducing vowel reduction in the first syllable and maintaining a clean, short final consonant before the vowel onset of the last syllable.
A distinctive feature is the transition from the initial 'exo-' to the stressed 'crine' portion, where the 'e' in ex- reduces and the 'crine' begins with a strong, palatal-like onset. This contrasts with words like 'endocrine' where the stress is not on the same syllable and the vowel qualities differ. Keeping the 'SOHR' or 'suh-RYNE' nucleus clearly separated helps listeners parse the term quickly.
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- US: rhotic /r/ is pronounced; ensure the middle vowel has a strong length but not a vowel-drawl; /ˌekˈsoʊˌkraj n/? Focus on 'SOHR' as a single syllable with rounded lips.
Exocrine comes from the combination of the Greek ex- meaning out of, and krinein meaning to separate or separate out. The modern term emerged in the 18th–19th centuries as anatomy and physiology advanced in precision, distinguishing glands by their method of secretion. The prefix ex- signals outward release through ducts, as seen in exocrine glands that discharge their products onto an epithelial surface (e.g., pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum or sweat onto the skin). The root -crine shares with endocrine/secretory terminology a common lineage tied to ‘to separate’ or ‘to secrete,’ reflecting the functional mechanism. First known uses appear in early anatomical texts that formalized glandular classifications, and by the late 19th century, exocrine and endocrine distinctions became standard in physiology, enabling clearer communication about secretion pathways and clinical implications (e.g., cystic fibrosis affecting exocrine pancreatic function). Today, exocrine remains a core descriptor in medical textbooks and research on glandular secretion and ductal physiology, with ongoing refinement as molecular mechanisms further elucidate secretion pathways.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Exocrine" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Exocrine" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Exocrine"
-ine sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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