enkephalin
noun
en·keph·a·lin
in-ˈke-fə-lən 
-(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
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
Korin Miller, SELF, 24 Aug. 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enkephalin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
enkephal- (alteration of encephal-) + -in
First Known Use
1975, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near enkephalin
Cite this Entry
“Enkephalin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enkephalin. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Medical Definition
enkephalin
noun
en·keph·a·lin
in-ˈkef-ə-lən, -(ˌ)lin
More from Merriam-Webster on enkephalin
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about enkephalin
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