enkephalin

noun

en·​keph·​a·​lin in-ˈke-fə-lən How to pronounce enkephalin (audio)
-(ˌ)lin,
en-
: either of two pentapeptides with opiate and analgesic activity that occur naturally especially in the brain and have a marked affinity for opiate receptors compare endorphin

Examples of enkephalin 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.
And during scary or stressful experiences, endogenous, or self-generated, opioids known as endorphins and enkephalins are released in the brain. Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 During that time, your body tends to produce less endorphins and enkephalins, which are natural pain-killers, than at any other time of day, according to the National Headache Foundation. Korin Miller, SELF, 24 Aug. 2017

Word History

Etymology

enkephal- (alteration of encephal-) + -in

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enkephalin was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near enkephalin

Cite this Entry

“Enkephalin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enkephalin. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

enkephalin

noun
en·​keph·​a·​lin in-ˈkef-ə-lən, -(ˌ)lin How to pronounce enkephalin (audio)
: either of two pentapeptide endorphins:

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