Definition: Chemical substance or polypeptide that is produced in the brain that acts as a natural opiate (pain medication). It produces analgesia or pain relief by binding to opiate receptor sites that are involved in pain perception. This action helps to increase the pain threshold.
Pronunciation: en-dor'fins
Also Known As: endogenous opiate-like sbstance
Common Misspellings: endorfin
Examples: Pleasurable activities encourage the brain to produce endorphins and can help reduce the pain from arthritis.
