What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
excreta
Example
The laboratory analyzed the patient's excreta for signs of infection. [excreta: noun]
Example
The body eliminates excess salt through excreta such as sweat and urine. [excreta: plural noun]
excrement
Example
The dog left excrement on the sidewalk, and the owner failed to clean it up. [excrement: noun]
Example
The zookeeper collected samples of animal excrement for analysis. [excrement: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excrement is more commonly used than excreta in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Excreta is a more technical term that is typically used in scientific or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between excreta and excrement?
Both excreta and excrement are considered formal or technical terms rather than everyday language. However, excrement is more commonly used in informal contexts and may be considered less formal than excreta.
