enkephalin
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en·keph·a·lin
(ĕn-kĕf′ə-lĭn)n.
Either of two closely related pentapeptides having opiate qualities and occurring in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body.
[Greek enkephalos, in the head (en-, in; see en in Indo-European roots + kephalē, head; see ghebh-el- in Indo-European roots) + -in.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
enkephalin
(ɛnˈkɛfəlɪn) orenkephaline
;encephalin
(ɛnˈsɛfəlɪn) orencephaline
n
(Biochemistry) a chemical occurring in the brain, having effects similar to those of morphine. See also endorphin
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
en•keph•al•in
(ɛnˈkɛf ə lɪn)n.
either of two polypeptides that bind to morphine receptors in the central nervous system and have opioid properties of relatively short duration. Compare endorphin.
[1970–75; < Greek enképhal(os) encephalon + -in1]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| Noun | 1. | enkephalin - an endorphin having opiate qualities that occurs in the brain and spinal cord and elsewhere endorphin - a neurochemical occurring naturally in the brain and having analgesic properties |
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