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

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

The Metabolic Nucleus Nearly all the different cell types in your body — liver cells, heart cells, skin cells, beta cells, and so on — contain the same genome in their nuclei. —Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025

Bee pollen may improve the function and growth of specialized cells in the pancreas called beta cells, which release insulin.16 Bee pollen may also inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates in your intestinal tract, which could support better blood management.2 12. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for beta cell

• bagatelle
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle
• infidel
• isabel

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