enkephalin

[ 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.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of enkephalin

1970–75; < Greek enképhal(os) encephalon + -in2

Words nearby enkephalin

enjoin, enjoinder, enjoy, enjoyable, enjoyment, enkephalin, enkephalinergic, enki, enkidu, enkindle, enkolpion
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for enkephalin

enkephalin

encephalin (ɛnˈsɛfəlɪn)

/ (ɛnˈkɛfəlɪn) /

noun

a chemical occurring in the brain, having effects similar to those of morphineSee 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

Medical definitions for enkephalin

enkephalin
[ ĕn-kĕf′ə-lĭn ]

n.

Either of two closely related pentapeptides having opiate qualities and occurring especially in the brain and spinal cord.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.