: producing, being, or relating to a secretion that is released outside its source
exocrine pancreatic cells

Examples of exocrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The most common treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). Korin Miller, SELF, 11 Mar. 2022 Why is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency underdiagnosed? Korin Miller, SELF, 11 Mar. 2022 There are several conditions that can cause exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2021 Of all exocrine pancreatic cancers, about 95% are adenocarcinomas, which usually begin in the ducts of the pancreas. Christina Oehler, Health.com, 23 Aug. 2019

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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from exo- exo- + -crine (in endocrine endocrine entry 1)

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exocrine was circa 1911

Dictionary Entries Near exocrine

Cite this Entry

“Exocrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exocrine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

exocrine

adjective
exo·​crine ˈek-sə-krən How to pronounce exocrine (audio)
-ˌkrīn,
-ˌkrēn
: producing, being, or relating to a secretion that is released outside its source
exocrine cells of the pancreas

Medical Definition

exocrine

adjective
: producing, being, or relating to a secretion that is released outside its source
exocrine pancreatic cells
exocrine functions
exocrine insufficiency
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