English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

pancreas

PANGK-reers

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
1
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

Word forms

pancreases plural, pancreata plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “pancreas” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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

See all rhymes for pancreas →

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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial