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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This protects the beta cells yet preserves the immune system’s overall ability to defend the body. — Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 Long-term systemic inflammation may cause cell damage, especially to beta cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin. — Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 22 June 2026 The approach was also shown to be effective in animal models where human beta cells were transplanted into mice, the release stated. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026 That means finding people in the early stages of disease, when autoantibodies show that the immune system has begun attacking beta cells but blood sugar levels are not yet high. — Anna McKie, Wired News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for beta cell

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for beta cell

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Browse Nearby Words

beta-carotene
beta cell
beta cellulose
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Cite this Entry

“Beta cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20cell. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beta cell

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