enkephalin

American

[en-kef-uh-lin] / ɛnˈkɛf ə lɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

either of two pentapeptides that bind to morphine receptors in the central nervous system and have opioid properties of relatively short duration; one pentapeptide Met enkephalin has the amino acid sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met and the other Leu enkephalin has the sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu.

enkephalin British

/ ɛnˈsɛfəlɪn, ɛnˈkɛfəlɪn /

noun

a chemical occurring in the brain, having effects similar to those of morphine See also endorphin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of enkephalin

1970–75; < Greek enképhal ( os ) encephalon + -in ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because the emotion-controlling amygdala region of the brain is rich in enkephalin receptors, scientists speculate that the molecules may act as a defense against disappointments and trauma.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023