enkephalin
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˌɛŋkəˈfælɪn/
- Specialized
- During the experiment, the scientists observed that the administration of enkephalin led to a significant decrease in the perception of discomfort.
- enkephalins and endorphins
Examples
-
These pain-killing molecules called enkephalins and endorphins alter moods.
Academic text (1993) -
In response to these messages, natural pain-relieving chemicals—endorphins and enkephalins—are released and attach themselves to the body's opioid receptors, where they have several functions.
Academic text (2011) -
Researchers found that increasing levels of enkephalin can help reduce pain sensations in patients.
-
The presence of enkephalin in the brain suggests a mechanism for emotional regulation and pain relief.
Synonyms
29
4.5
A natural chemical that the brain makes to reduce pain and make you feel good
Surface Forms
Morphology
enkephalin = encephalon (semi-transparent) = enkephal + in
Built from the brain-combining form (encephal-/enkephal-) plus the protein suffix '-in', which indicates a brain-related peptide but requires biomedical knowledge to fully interpret.
Etymology
Enkephalin comes from Greek parts en- meaning 'in' and kephale meaning 'head', with the protein ending -in like in insulin. So the name literally says 'in the head' and helps you remember that enkephalin is a natural brain chemical that works in the brain and spinal cord to help reduce pain.