Logo
dictionary thesaurus

enkephalin

noun
en·​keph·​a·​lin | \ in-ˈke-fə-lən How to pronounce enkephalin (audio) , -(ˌ)lin, en-\

Definition of enkephalin

: 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, "6 Causes of Morning Headaches," 24 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of enkephalin

1975, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for enkephalin

enkephal- (alteration of encephal-) + -in

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for enkephalin

enkephalin

noun
en·​keph·​a·​lin | \ in-ˈkef-ə-lən, -(ˌ)lin How to pronounce enkephalin (audio) \

Medical Definition of enkephalin

: either of two pentapeptide endorphins:
a : leucine-enkephalin
b : methionine-enkephalin

WORD OF THE DAY

emancipation

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!