English · Word Candidate

insulin

/ˈɪnsjʊlin/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: insulins

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A polypeptide hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism (in various animals including humans).

Noun

Mommy said that Grandma's diabetes happened because her body stopped making its own insulin.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Any exogenous preparation of this hormone for use as a medication.

Noun

The advent of insulin in the mid-20th century changed the lives of millions of people with diabetes.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “insulin” mean?

A polypeptide hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism (in various animals including humans).

Is “insulin” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.