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
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About six years later, she was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer and had surgery to remove the mass, part of her pancreas, her spleen, 17 lymph nodes, and a fibroid.
—
Anna Halkidis, Parents, 25 Oct. 2025
In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which allows the glucose to enter cells so that it can be used for energy.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 19 Oct. 2025
After the first pancreas workshop in December 2005, Kovatchev helped to build the informational foundation for such an undertaking.
—Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
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Anna Halkidis, Parents, 25 Oct. 2025
In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which allows the glucose to enter cells so that it can be used for energy.
—Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 19 Oct. 2025
After the first pancreas workshop in December 2005, Kovatchev helped to build the informational foundation for such an undertaking.
—Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pancreas
Cite this Entry
“Pancreas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pancreas. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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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