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 

ˌpan-

adjective

Examples of pancreas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pancreas releases more insulin to lower blood sugar levels, further straining metabolism. —Caitlin Beale, Health, 20 Jan. 2026

The pancreas secretes insulin after a meal to lower blood sugar levels. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 19 Jan. 2026

The child, who was resuscitated and taken to Norton Children’s Hospital, was reported to have fractures to the occipital skull and ribs, extensive bruising, severe anemia from blood loss and indications of muscle damage and liver and pancreas injuries. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Jan. 2026

In Mikal Mahdi’s death in South Carolina, an autopsy report found Mahdi was shot in the pancreas, liver and lower lung, Dunham said. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

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 

ˈpan-

: a large gland of vertebrates that lies near the stomach and produces digestive enzymes and insulin

pancreatic

ˌpaŋ-krē-ˈat-ik 

ˌpan-

adjective

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