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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The experience of liking seems to be triggered by different neurotransmitters, most likely endorphins and endocannabinoids (the natural equivalents of heroin and cannabis, respectively).
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Instead, exercise triggers our bodies to release endocannabinoids, the endogenous cousin to cannabinoids, the stuff found in marijuana.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
The chemicals can interact with the endocannabinoid system, a molecular network found throughout the body that supports homeostasis, or biological balance.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
Research increasingly reveals how cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a critical role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and immune function.
—Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
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Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Instead, exercise triggers our bodies to release endocannabinoids, the endogenous cousin to cannabinoids, the stuff found in marijuana.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026
The chemicals can interact with the endocannabinoid system, a molecular network found throughout the body that supports homeostasis, or biological balance.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
Research increasingly reveals how cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a critical role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and immune function.
—Amplified Content Studio, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for endocannabinoid
Cite this Entry
“Endocannabinoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endocannabinoid. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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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