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
adjective ˌpan-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web In addition to being malnourished, his 2-year-old brother had evidence of recent and older injuries as well as a lacerated pancreas, prosecutors said. 
Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2022 The hormone was originally taken from the pancreas of cows and pigs, but in 1978 scientists figured out how to make a synthetic human version. Emily Mullin, Wired, 27 July 2022 This causes a powerful insulin response from the pancreas gland to move sugar into the cells. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 July 2022 Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 2 July 2022 That was until a group of Canadian researchers discovered a way to extract insulin from the pancreas and purify it, giving people with the disease a way to regulate their blood-glucose levels. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 29 June 2022 The drugs mimic a hormone produced in the gut called GLP-1, which tells the pancreas to secrete more insulin to control blood sugar. Lauren Dunn, NBC News, 10 June 2022 This triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. Mckale Montgomery, The Conversation, 19 May 2022 Gradually, the virus destroyed his lungs, then his kidneys, heart, pancreas, brain. Hannah Brady, CNN, 13 Jan. 2022 See More
Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2022 The hormone was originally taken from the pancreas of cows and pigs, but in 1978 scientists figured out how to make a synthetic human version. Emily Mullin, Wired, 27 July 2022 This causes a powerful insulin response from the pancreas gland to move sugar into the cells. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 July 2022 Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 2 July 2022 That was until a group of Canadian researchers discovered a way to extract insulin from the pancreas and purify it, giving people with the disease a way to regulate their blood-glucose levels. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 29 June 2022 The drugs mimic a hormone produced in the gut called GLP-1, which tells the pancreas to secrete more insulin to control blood sugar. Lauren Dunn, NBC News, 10 June 2022 This triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas. Mckale Montgomery, The Conversation, 19 May 2022 Gradually, the virus destroyed his lungs, then his kidneys, heart, pancreas, brain. Hannah Brady, CNN, 13 Jan. 2022 See More 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
: a large gland near the stomach that produces insulin and a fluid ( pancreatic juice ) with enzymes that aid digestion
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