anandamide
noun
anan·da·mide
ə-ˈnan-də-ˌmīd 
: a derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and in some foods (such as chocolate) and that binds to the same brain receptors as the cannabinoids (such as THC) derived from cannabis
Note: Anandamide and other endogenously produced compounds are now classified as cannabinoids or endocannabinoids.
Examples of anandamide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the 1990s, Mechoulam’s research on the ECS led to the discovery of anandamide, a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the human body.
—
Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2025
Two endocannabinoids have been discovered so far: anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG).
—Joy Organics, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The same held true for the T-maze experiments under normal conditions, i.e., roundworms that had not been dosed with anandamide.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Apr. 2023
The two main neurotransmitters in the ECS are anandamide and 2-AG.
—Dallas News, 25 Oct. 2022
Then there’s the chocolate, which, in addition to sugar, contains small amounts of a compound known as anandamide.
—Kelly Murray, CNN, 4 Dec. 2021
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Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2025
Two endocannabinoids have been discovered so far: anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG).
—Joy Organics, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The same held true for the T-maze experiments under normal conditions, i.e., roundworms that had not been dosed with anandamide.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Apr. 2023
The two main neurotransmitters in the ECS are anandamide and 2-AG.
—Dallas News, 25 Oct. 2022
Then there’s the chocolate, which, in addition to sugar, contains small amounts of a compound known as anandamide.
—Kelly Murray, CNN, 4 Dec. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Anandamide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anandamide. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
anandamide
noun
anan·da·mide
ə-ˈnan-də-ˌmīd
: a derivative of arachidonic acid that occurs naturally in the brain and in some foods (as chocolate) and that binds to the same brain receptors as the cannabinoids (as THC)
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