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
This enhances the chances of estrogen binding to a receptor, helping to maintain essential brain functions despite the lower hormone levels.
—
Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 25 June 2024
Researchers discovered that hormone-mimicking molecules loaded with radioactive isotopes would bind to these receptors and shrink tumors effectively.
—Elie Dolgin, Ars Technica, 21 June 2024
In the 2000s, Zuker and his colleagues cloned the genes for receptors that detect sweet, bitter, umami, sour and salty tastes to work out how this wisdom gets carried out at the molecular level.
—Esther Landhuis, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2024
The drugs’ heart benefits, for example, might involve GLP-1 receptors in the heart and blood vessels, Steven Heymsfield, a professor who studies obesity at Louisiana State University, told me.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor 
Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 25 June 2024
Researchers discovered that hormone-mimicking molecules loaded with radioactive isotopes would bind to these receptors and shrink tumors effectively.
—Elie Dolgin, Ars Technica, 21 June 2024
In the 2000s, Zuker and his colleagues cloned the genes for receptors that detect sweet, bitter, umami, sour and salty tastes to work out how this wisdom gets carried out at the molecular level.
—Esther Landhuis, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2024
The drugs’ heart benefits, for example, might involve GLP-1 receptors in the heart and blood vessels, Steven Heymsfield, a professor who studies obesity at Louisiana State University, told me.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 June 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 4 Jul. 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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