# islet

/ˈaɪɫɪt/ (US) · /ˈaɪlət/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/islet
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a small island, or a small group of cells in the body that do a specific job. In biology, it often refers to the tiny clusters of cells in the pancreas that make insulin.

For teachers: a small island or a small cluster of cells within a larger organ. In a biological context, it specifically refers to the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, which regulate blood sugar levels.

## Examples

- The doctor checked the islet cells in the patient's pancreas.
- Researchers are studying how to protect the islet cells from the immune system to treat diabetes more effectively.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.