exocrine

[ ek-suh-krin, -krahyn, -kreen ]

adjective

1. secreting to an epithelial surface.
2. of or relating to an exocrine gland or its secretion.

noun

1. an external secretion.
2. exocrine gland.

exocrine

/ ˈɛksəʊˌkraɪn; -krɪn /

adjective

1. of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions

noun

1. an exocrine gland

Word History and Origins

Origin of exocrine¹

1910–15; exo- + -crine < Greek krī́nein to separate

Word History and Origins

Origin of exocrine¹

C20: exo- + -crine from Greek krinein to separate

Example Sentences

Pancreatic cancer is usually formed by the cells that produce digestive juices, called the exocrine cells.

From Fox News

Bockman, D. E. Morphology of the exocrine pancreas related to pancreatitis.

From Nature

Pathology of genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic exocrine cancer: consensus report and recommendations.

From Nature

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that targets the exocrine glands and is characterized by the chronic accumulation of thick mucus affecting breathing and digestion.

From Washington Times

What she has is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, a condition in which the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes to adequately absorb the nutrients in food.

From US News