beta cell

noun

: any of the insulin-secreting pancreatic cells in the islets of Langerhans

Examples of beta cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Bolus shots are always necessary for those with type 1 diabetes, as that form of the disease destroys insulin-producing beta cells, while type 2 generally reduces, but does not eliminate insulin production. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025 Animal studies suggest that the stimulation of testosterone production by tongkat ali increases the number of beta cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 20 June 2025 Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, is characterized by a reduction in functional, insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 When people become insulin resistant and develop diabetes, the problem starts with the beta cells, Tessem explains. Allison Aubrey, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for beta cell

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beta cell was in 1915

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Cite this Entry

“Beta cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20cell. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

beta cell

noun
: any of various secretory cells distinguished by their basophilic staining characters: as
a
: a pituitary basophil
b
: an insulin-secreting cell of the islets of Langerhans compare alpha cell

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