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
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
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.
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
Dictionary Entries Near enkephalin
Cite this Entry
“Enkephalin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enkephalin. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
enkephalin
noun
en·keph·a·lin
in-ˈkef-ə-lən, -(ˌ)lin
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share