A type of naturally occurring brain chemical (neuropeptide) that reduces pain and produces pleasure sensations in the nervous system.
From Greek enkephalos (brain) + -in (chemical suffix), named because these pain-relieving molecules were discovered in the brain.
Endorphins and enkephalins were discovered in the 1970s, explaining why runners get a 'high'—your brain literally makes its own morphine-like chemicals, which completely changed how we understand pain and addiction!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.