endocannabinoid
noun
en·do·can·na·bi·noid
ˌen-dō- kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid 
-ˈka-nə-bə-ˌnȯid
plural endocannabinoids
: any of several chemical compounds (such as anandamide) that are naturally produced within the body and bind to the same brain receptors as compounds (such as THC) derived from cannabis : cannabinoid sense 2a
In other studies, endocannabinoid levels have been shown to increase after prolonged running and cycling, leading many scientists to conclude that endocannabinoids help to create runner's high.—
Gretchen Reynolds
Gretchen ReynoldsExamples of endocannabinoid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These receptors form the endocannabinoid system, which acts as conductor for an orchestra of neurotransmitters, turning up or down the volume on sleep, temperature, pain, hunger, learning, and memory.
—Julia Michie Bruckner, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024
Across vertebrate species, these molecules interact with the endocannabinoid system, a network of nerve receptors, molecules and enzymes that keeps the body’s other organ systems stable.
—Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024
The former works to depress the central nervous system, temporarily putting your brain in chill mode while the liver metabolizes it; the latter conversely activates the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain.
—Ali Finney, SELF, 26 Feb. 2024
Meanwhile, individuals with PTSD are understood to have lower levels of the neurotransmitter anandamide, an endocannabinoid that binds to CB1 receptors in the body and interacts with the cannabinoid CBD.
—Sarah Sinclair, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Education for fellow veterinarians is also warranted, Dr. Andre said — not only about the medical use of cannabis, but also about the endocannabinoid system itself, which only recently entered the curriculum at veterinary schools after being discovered in 1988.
—Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024
This natural compound derived from the cannabis plant interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain perception and immune response.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023
The caffeine in coffee provides an energy boost and helps improve alertness, while CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system to promote balance and relaxation.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023
Each person's body chemistry and endocannabinoid system are unique, meaning that what works for one individual may not work for another.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Oct. 2023
Julia Michie Bruckner, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2024
Across vertebrate species, these molecules interact with the endocannabinoid system, a network of nerve receptors, molecules and enzymes that keeps the body’s other organ systems stable.
—Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024
The former works to depress the central nervous system, temporarily putting your brain in chill mode while the liver metabolizes it; the latter conversely activates the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain.
—Ali Finney, SELF, 26 Feb. 2024
Meanwhile, individuals with PTSD are understood to have lower levels of the neurotransmitter anandamide, an endocannabinoid that binds to CB1 receptors in the body and interacts with the cannabinoid CBD.
—Sarah Sinclair, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
Education for fellow veterinarians is also warranted, Dr. Andre said — not only about the medical use of cannabis, but also about the endocannabinoid system itself, which only recently entered the curriculum at veterinary schools after being discovered in 1988.
—Rachel Nuwer, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024
This natural compound derived from the cannabis plant interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain perception and immune response.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023
The caffeine in coffee provides an energy boost and helps improve alertness, while CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system to promote balance and relaxation.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023
Each person's body chemistry and endocannabinoid system are unique, meaning that what works for one individual may not work for another.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 13 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endocannabinoid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near endocannabinoid
Cite this Entry
“Endocannabinoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endocannabinoid. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
endocannabinoid
noun
en·do·can·na·bi·noid
ˌen-dō-ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌnȯid,
-kə-ˈnab-ə-
: any of several chemical compounds (as anandamide) that are naturally produced within the body and bind to the same brain receptors as compounds (as THC) derived from cannabis : cannabinoid sense 2a
In other studies, endocannabinoid levels have been shown to increase after prolonged running and cycling, leading many scientists to conclude that endocannabinoids help to create runner's high.—Gretchen Reynolds
Gretchen ReynoldsScientists have come to recognize that endocannabinoids interact with a specific neurological network—much the way that endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine do.—Hampton Sides
Hampton SidesLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share