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 In those with type 2 diabetes, beta cells become dysfunctional or less effective at producing insulin over time; type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks beta cells. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 29 July 2024 Ideally this should help overcome a major hurdle: the immune system will continue attacking new beta cells as they’re produced. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 July 2024 Sure enough, the beta cells increased in number by 700% within three months of the treatment. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 July 2024 Regular coffee use is believed to preserve liver and beta cells, which play a crucial role in diabetes.14 Natural Caffeine Sources Several food and beverage sources naturally contain caffeine. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for beta cell 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beta cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beta cell was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near beta cell

Cite this Entry

“Beta cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20cell. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on beta cell

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