beta-endorphin

noun

be·​ta-en·​dor·​phin ˈbā-tə-en-ˈdȯr-fən 

: an endorphin of the pituitary gland having a much greater analgesic potency than morphine

Examples of beta-endorphin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That's when the stress molecule, cortisol, is at its lowest, and when all the healing molecules, like beta-endorphins and growth hormones and oxytocin, are at their highest. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 25 Jan. 2026

The scientists found that when the mice were eating the high sugar diet, the neurons released beta-endorphin, an endogenous opioid — one generated within your body. —Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025

Unlike caffeine, nicotine increases beta-endorphins and helps relieve anxiety. —Jeffrey A. Singer, National Review, 1 Feb. 2024

Another study shows that changes in the brain's structure raise serotonin, beta-endorphins and other neurotransmitters. —Kelly Santana Banks, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for beta-endorphin

• dextromethorphan
• endorphin
• orphan

Medical Definition

beta-endorphin

noun

be·​ta-en·​dor·​phin

variants or β-endorphin

ˌbāt-ə-en-ˈdȯr-fən, chiefly British ˌbē-tə- 

: an endorphin of the pituitary gland with much greater analgesic potency than morphine that occurs free and as the terminal sequence of 31 amino acids in the polypeptide chain of beta-lipotropin