Insulin Definition
ĭnsə-lĭn
noun
A protein hormone secreted by the islets of Langerhans, in the pancreas, which helps the body use sugar and other carbohydrates.
Webster's New World
A preparation extracted from the pancreas of sheep, oxen, etc. and used hypodermically in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Webster's New World
A polypeptide hormone secreted by the islets of Langerhans and functioning in the regulation of the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, especially the conversion of glucose to glycogen, which lowers the blood glucose level.
American Heritage
Any of various pharmaceutical preparations containing this hormone or a close chemical analog, derived from the pancreas of certain animals or produced through genetic engineering and used in the medical treatment and management of diabetes mellitus (type I).
American Heritage
Other Word Forms of Insulin
Noun
Singular:
insulin
Plural:
insulinsOrigin of Insulin
New Latin īnsula island (of Langerhans) (from Latin island) –in
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
New Latin īnsula island (of Langerhans) (from Latin island) –in
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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