beta-endorphin
noun
be·ta-en·dor·phin
ˈbā-tə-en-ˈdȯr-fən 
: an endorphin of the pituitary gland having a much greater analgesic potency than morphine
Examples of beta-endorphin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The scientists found that when the mice were eating the high sugar diet, the neurons released beta-endorphin, an endogenous opioid — one generated within your body.
—
Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
Unlike caffeine, nicotine increases beta-endorphins and helps relieve anxiety.
—Jeffrey A. Singer, National Review, 1 Feb. 2024
Another study shows that changes in the brain's structure raise serotonin, beta-endorphins and other neurotransmitters.
—Kelly Santana Banks, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
Unlike caffeine, nicotine increases beta-endorphins and helps relieve anxiety.
—Jeffrey A. Singer, National Review, 1 Feb. 2024
Another study shows that changes in the brain's structure raise serotonin, beta-endorphins and other neurotransmitters.
—Kelly Santana Banks, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Beta-endorphin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta-endorphin. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
beta-endorphin
noun
be·ta-en·dor·phin
variants
or β-endorphin
: an endorphin of the pituitary gland with much greater analgesic potency than morphine that occurs free and as the terminal sequence of 31 amino acids in the polypeptide chain of beta-lipotropin
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share