pancreas

noun

pan·​cre·​as ˈpaŋ-krē-əs 

ˈpan-

: a large lobulated gland of vertebrates that secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon

pancreatic

ˌpaŋ-krē-ˈa-tik 

ˌpan-

adjective

Examples of pancreas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bee pollen may improve the function and growth of specialized cells in the pancreas called beta cells, which release insulin.16 Bee pollen may also inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates in your intestinal tract, which could support better blood management.2 12. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2024

The pancreas produces and releases elastase when your body successfully breaks proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into nutrients that can be used as energy. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024

Located behind the stomach, the pancreas is a large gland that helps people digest food and regulate blood sugar. —Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024

Too much iron in your body can affect how well your pancreas functions, which can increase your risk of diabetes—a condition that occurs when your pancreas can't produce enough insulin to match your blood sugar levels. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek pankreas sweetbread, from pan- + kreas flesh, meat — more at raw

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pancreas

noun

pan·​cre·​as ˈpaŋ-krē-əs 

ˈpan-

: a large gland of vertebrates that lies near the stomach and produces digestive enzymes and insulin

pancreatic

ˌpaŋ-krē-ˈat-ik 

ˌpan-

adjective

Medical Definition

pancreas

noun

pan·​cre·​as ˈpaŋ-krē-əs, ˈpan- 

plural pancreases also pancreata pan-ˈkrē-ət-ə 

: a large lobulated gland that in humans lies in front of the upper lumbar vertebrae and behind the stomach and is somewhat hammer-shaped and firmly attached anteriorly to the curve of the duodenum with which it communicates through one or more pancreatic ducts and that consists of (1) tubular acini secreting digestive enzymes which pass to the intestine and function in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; (2) modified acinar cells that form islets of Langerhans between the tubules and secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon; and (3) a firm connective-tissue capsule that extends supportive strands into the organ