noun Uncommon

pancreas

PANGK-reers

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Pancreas (noun) means a gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. Example: “The pancreas releases insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels.”

noun

A gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin.

"The pancreas releases insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels."

How to use pancreas

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe organ that helps digest food and controls blood sugar through insulin.

Common pairings

pancreas produces insulin pancreatic cancer

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: pancreases, pancreata

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ releases insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Etymology

From Greek pankreas, literally "all flesh" (pan- "all" + kreas "flesh"), likely so named because the organ appeared to be made entirely of soft tissue with no bone or cartilage.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for pancreas

habeas whereas Andreas overseas

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Frequently asked questions

What does “pancreas” mean?

The word “pancreas” means a gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. In plain terms, the organ that helps digest food and controls blood sugar through insulin.

How do you pronounce “pancreas”?

“Pancreas” is pronounced PANGK-reers (/ˈpæŋ.kɹi.əs/ in IPA).

How do you use “pancreas” in a sentence?

Here is “pancreas” used in a sentence: “The pancreas releases insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels.”

What part of speech is “pancreas”?

“Pancreas” is a noun.

Where does the word “pancreas” come from?

The word “pancreas” comes from Greek. From Greek pankreas, literally "all flesh" (pan- "all" + kreas "flesh"), likely so named because the organ appeared to be made entirely of soft tissue with no bone or cartilage.

Is “pancreas” a common word?

“Pancreas” is an uncommon word in modern English.