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enkephalin

[ en-kef-uh-lin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.
  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.

enkephalin

/ ɛnˈkɛfəlɪn; ɛnˈsɛfəlɪn /

noun

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of enkephalin1

1970–75; < Greek enképhal ( os ) encephalon + -in 2

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