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endorphin

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endorphins

Main Entry:: en·dor·phin
Pronunciation:: \en-ˈdȯr-fən\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: International Scientific Vocabulary endogenous + metersorphine
Date:: 1976

: any of a group of endogenous peptides (as enkephalin) found especially in the brain that bind chiefly to opiate receptors and produce some pharmacological effects (as pain relief) like those of opiates; specifically : beta-endorphin

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