First Known Use: 1975
Dictionary
enkephalin
noun en·keph·a·lin \in-ˈke-fə-lən, -(ˌ)lin, en-\
Definition of ENKEPHALIN
: either of two pentapeptides with opiate and analgesic activity that occur naturally especially in the brain and have a marked affinity for opiate receptors — compare endorphin
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Origin of ENKEPHALIN
enkephal- (alteration of encephal-) + -in
Medical Dictionary
enkephalin
noun en·keph·a·lin \in-ˈkef-ə-lən, -(ˌ)lin\
Medical Definition of ENKEPHALIN
: either of two pentapeptides with opiate and analgesic activity that occur naturally in the brain and have a marked affinity for opiate receptors: a : leucine-enkephalin b : methionine-enkephalin—compare endorphin
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