endorphin
noun
en·dor·phin en-ˈdȯr-fən 
: 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.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web During that first pandemic winter, the routine and endorphin-generating vigor of skating at the outdoor rink were critical in lifting our family’s spirits, giving us purpose and a place to see friends. 
Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022 Everyone has a ritual when faced with the endorphin-rushing visuals of a perfectly ripe fruit, the scent of natural sugars wafting about. New York Times, 7 June 2021 An orgasm is the release of all that tension, plus a rush of an endorphin called serotonin that spills into your blood stream. Yerin Kim, Seventeen, 29 Sep. 2020 There’s just something about dancing that gets those endorphins moving. Mark Medina, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2020 Chewing and licking release endorphins in a dog’s brain making him or her more content and happier. Cathy M. Rosenthal, ExpressNews.com, 1 May 2020 Exercising releases endorphins that boost your mood and reduce your overall stress. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 24 Apr. 2020 Laughing gets endorphins flowing, and comedy often comes cheaper than other forms of live entertainment. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 26 Mar. 2020 In normal times, some two dozen hardcore hoopsters meet Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Jewish Community Center to throw elbows and get a therapeutic rush of endorphins. Bruce Selcraig, ExpressNews.com, 23 Mar. 2020 See More
Washington Post, 11 Feb. 2022 Everyone has a ritual when faced with the endorphin-rushing visuals of a perfectly ripe fruit, the scent of natural sugars wafting about. New York Times, 7 June 2021 An orgasm is the release of all that tension, plus a rush of an endorphin called serotonin that spills into your blood stream. Yerin Kim, Seventeen, 29 Sep. 2020 There’s just something about dancing that gets those endorphins moving. Mark Medina, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2020 Chewing and licking release endorphins in a dog’s brain making him or her more content and happier. Cathy M. Rosenthal, ExpressNews.com, 1 May 2020 Exercising releases endorphins that boost your mood and reduce your overall stress. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 24 Apr. 2020 Laughing gets endorphins flowing, and comedy often comes cheaper than other forms of live entertainment. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 26 Mar. 2020 In normal times, some two dozen hardcore hoopsters meet Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Jewish Community Center to throw elbows and get a therapeutic rush of endorphins. Bruce Selcraig, ExpressNews.com, 23 Mar. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary endogenous + morphine
First Known Use
1976, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing endorphin
Medical Definition
endorphin
noun
en·dor·phin en-ˈdȯr-fən
: 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