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
Examples of pancreas in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The glucose enters your bloodstream, and then your pancreas is able to release insulin into your bloodstream.
—
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 30 Nov. 2024
Over time, this can put a strain on your pancreas (where insulin is made), leading to less insulin production and the development of type 2 diabetes.
—Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for pancreas 
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Maggie O'Neill, Health, 30 Nov. 2024
Over time, this can put a strain on your pancreas (where insulin is made), leading to less insulin production and the development of type 2 diabetes.
—Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for pancreas
Dictionary Entries Near pancreas
Cite this Entry
“Pancreas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pancreas. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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