enkephalin

[ en-kef-uh-lin ]

nounBiochemistry.
  1. 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.

Origin of enkephalin

1
1970–75; <Greek enképhal(os) encephalon + -in2

Words Nearby enkephalin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for enkephalin

enkephalin

encephalin (ɛnˈsɛfəlɪn)

/ (ɛnˈkɛfəlɪn) /


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

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