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

While semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide mimics both GLP-1 and a second hormone called GIP. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 14 Dec. 2024

This receptor protein is most commonly found in the spine and in the brain, and regulates pain signals and perception. —New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2024

Lead takes advantage of the additional receptors to enter the body. —Katarzyna Kordas, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2024

While a cold or flu virus usually only affects your respiratory tract, COVID binds to things called ACE2 receptors that can be found all over, from your gut to your brain. —Julia Sullivan, SELF, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing receptor

• alpha-receptor
• beta-receptor
• selective estrogen receptor modulator
• stretch receptor
• T cell receptor

Kids 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