# pancreas

/ˈpænkɹiəs/ (US) · /pˈænkɹiəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pancreas
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a large organ behind your stomach that helps you digest food. It also makes insulin, which controls the amount of sugar in your blood.

For teachers: a large glandular organ situated behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum and releases hormones, such as insulin, into the bloodstream.

## Examples

- The pancreas produces insulin to regulate blood sugar.
- Doctors monitored his pancreas closely after he complained of severe abdominal pain and digestive issues.
- As both an endocrine and exocrine gland, the pancreas plays a dual role in the human body by regulating glucose levels and facilitating the breakdown of proteins and fats.

## Usage notes

- Usually used in the singular when referring to the specific organ in an individual.

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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.