receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
ri-ˈsep-tər 
: receiver: such as
a
: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ
b
: a chemical group or molecule (such as a protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus
Examples of receptor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Typical antipsychotics primarily block dopamine receptors in the brain and are associated with a higher risk of movement disorders like tardive dyskinesia.
—
T'keyah Bazin, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024
The medications work by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors to block cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing a high in a person with an opioid use disorder.
—Kim Krisberg, NPR, 16 Sep. 2024
The analog even bound more strongly to nicotine receptors than nicotine itself and was more toxic to airway cells.
—Bradley Van Paridon, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2024
Most adults and children 12 and older have access to highly effective new medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, but younger children must rely on lifestyle changes like diet, exercise and counseling alone to lose weight.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor 
T'keyah Bazin, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024
The medications work by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors to block cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing a high in a person with an opioid use disorder.
—Kim Krisberg, NPR, 16 Sep. 2024
The analog even bound more strongly to nicotine receptors than nicotine itself and was more toxic to airway cells.
—Bradley Van Paridon, Scientific American, 10 Sep. 2024
Most adults and children 12 and older have access to highly effective new medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, but younger children must rely on lifestyle changes like diet, exercise and counseling alone to lose weight.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'receptor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
ri-ˈsep-tər
1
: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ
2
: a molecule (as protein) on the surface or in the inside of a cell that recognizes and joins to specific molecules causing a certain activity within the cell to begin
Medical Definition
receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
ri-ˈsep-tər
1
: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ
2
: a chemical group or molecule (as a protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus
3
: a cellular entity (as a beta-receptor or alpha-receptor) that is a postulated intermediary between a chemical agent (as a neurohormone) acting on nervous tissue and the physiological or pharmacological response
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