nociceptor
noun
no·ci·cep·tor
ˌnō-si-ˈsep-tər 
: a receptor (as in the skin) for nociceptive stimuli : a pain sense organ
Examples of nociceptor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Mechanical nociceptors respond to physical damage, such as cuts or pressure, while thermal nociceptors react to extreme temperatures.
—
Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025
Sharks and rays do not possess nociceptors, which Zangroniz said is key for transmitting the feeling of pain to the brain.
—Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
Finally, there are the nociceptors that are activated by a combination of various triggers.
—Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025
Many have nociceptors that send signals to other parts of the insect brain, such as the central complex (associated with spatial navigation and locomotion) and the mushroom bodies (linked to learning, memory, and sensory integration).
—Shayla Love, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025
So can nociceptors, nerve cells that sense harmful stimuli—especially if the nociceptors are integrated with other sensory systems in the brain.
—Shayla Love, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025
Until fairly recently, itch was considered a form of mild pain arising from the weak activation of nociceptors or pain receptors.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2024
However, under some circumstances, the nociceptor activation threshold can be lowered.
—Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 24 June 2024
But even here, there are differences separating species: What does the nervous system do with signals from its nociceptors?
—Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy Gabra Zackman Emma Kehlbeck Lance Neal, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
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Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025
Sharks and rays do not possess nociceptors, which Zangroniz said is key for transmitting the feeling of pain to the brain.
—Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025
Finally, there are the nociceptors that are activated by a combination of various triggers.
—Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025
Many have nociceptors that send signals to other parts of the insect brain, such as the central complex (associated with spatial navigation and locomotion) and the mushroom bodies (linked to learning, memory, and sensory integration).
—Shayla Love, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025
So can nociceptors, nerve cells that sense harmful stimuli—especially if the nociceptors are integrated with other sensory systems in the brain.
—Shayla Love, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025
Until fairly recently, itch was considered a form of mild pain arising from the weak activation of nociceptors or pain receptors.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2024
However, under some circumstances, the nociceptor activation threshold can be lowered.
—Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 24 June 2024
But even here, there are differences separating species: What does the nervous system do with signals from its nociceptors?
—Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy Gabra Zackman Emma Kehlbeck Lance Neal, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Nociceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nociceptor. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
nociceptor
noun
no·ci·cep·tor
-ˈsep-tər
: a receptor for injurious or painful stimuli : a pain sense organ
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