endorphin

noun

en·​dor·​phin en-ˈdȯr-fən How to pronounce endorphin (audio)
: any of a group of endogenous peptides (such as enkephalin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some pharmacological effects (such as pain relief) like those of opiates
specifically : beta-endorphin

Did you know?

The word endorphin was coined, back when the substances were discovered in the 1970s, by joining pieces of endogenous and morphine, morphine being a narcotic that closely resembles the endorphins and relieves pain in a similar way. Studies suggest that the pain-relieving practice called acupuncture works by releasing endorphins. Endorphins also seem to play an important role in pregnancy. Though much remains to be learned about the endorphins, the general public seems ready to give them credit for any all-natural high.

Examples of endorphin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen, stimulates your hart, lungs and muscles, and increases endorphins released by the brain. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 Physical activity has been shown to release endorphins, which are natural chemicals in your brain that reduce stress and boost feelings of happiness. Wendy Wisner, Health, 31 Mar. 2025 Warmer temperatures encourage outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or yoga, which release endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 In addition, studies confirm that walking improves mood by releasing endorphins in the body. Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for endorphin

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary endogenous + morphine

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endorphin was in 1976

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Cite this Entry

“Endorphin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endorphin. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

endorphin

noun
en·​dor·​phin en-ˈdȯr-fən How to pronounce endorphin (audio)
: any of a group of endogenous peptides (as enkephalin and dynorphin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some of the same pharmacological effects (as pain relief) as those of opiates
specifically : beta-endorphin

More from Merriam-Webster on endorphin

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