ScienceAugust 16, 2026
eccrine
EK-rin
Definition
Relating to or denoting sweat glands that are distributed over most of the body and secrete a watery fluid, crucial for cooling.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word 'ekkrinein,' meaning 'to secrete,' formed by combining 'ek' (out) and 'krinein' (to separate).
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the high density of human sweat glands, which allow for efficient evaporative cooling during long-distance pursuits in extreme heat.
Humans are mediocre sprinters, but in 36–41°C heat researchers watched a hunter pursue an oryx until the animal's body reached 44°C while his own stayed below 39°C — a glimpse of an endurance advantage our genus may have begun evolving roughly 2
Read the full article ↗ScienceBlog.com