endocannabinoid
noun
en·do·can·na·bi·noid
ˌen-dō- kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid 
-ˈka-nə-bə-ˌnȯid
plural endocannabinoids
: any of several chemical compounds (such as anandamide) that are naturally produced within the body and bind to the same brain receptors as compounds (such as THC) derived from cannabis : cannabinoid sense 2a
In other studies, endocannabinoid levels have been shown to increase after prolonged running and cycling, leading many scientists to conclude that endocannabinoids help to create runner's high.—
Gretchen Reynolds
Gretchen ReynoldsExamples of endocannabinoid in a Sentence
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Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and pain.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Though each of the cannabinoids may have different affects on the body, each interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates bodily functions like mood, pain, sleep, appetite, memory, and reproduction and fertility, according to Healthline.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
According to a 2009 study in Nature Neuroscience, cannabis compounds activate the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which heightens our senses of smell and taste.
—Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
How Cannabis Works in the Body Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions like pain, mood, appetite, and sleep.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025
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Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Though each of the cannabinoids may have different affects on the body, each interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates bodily functions like mood, pain, sleep, appetite, memory, and reproduction and fertility, according to Healthline.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
According to a 2009 study in Nature Neuroscience, cannabis compounds activate the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which heightens our senses of smell and taste.
—Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
How Cannabis Works in the Body Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions like pain, mood, appetite, and sleep.
—Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for endocannabinoid
Cite this Entry
“Endocannabinoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endocannabinoid. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
endocannabinoid
noun
en·do·can·na·bi·noid
ˌen-dō-ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌnȯid,
-kə-ˈnab-ə-
: any of several chemical compounds (as anandamide) that are naturally produced within the body and bind to the same brain receptors as compounds (as THC) derived from cannabis : cannabinoid sense 2a
In other studies, endocannabinoid levels have been shown to increase after prolonged running and cycling, leading many scientists to conclude that endocannabinoids help to create runner's high.—Gretchen Reynolds
Gretchen ReynoldsScientists have come to recognize that endocannabinoids interact with a specific neurological network—much the way that endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine do.—Hampton Sides
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