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
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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor analogs are drugs that mimic fullness hormone GLP-1 and have been shown to reduce appetite, slow digestion, help stabilize blood sugar levels and impact metabolism.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
With the widespread use of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs, which are very effective at shedding weight, researchers were concerned that this rapid loss could negatively affect skeletal muscle health.
—New Atlas, 28 Oct. 2024
The drugs, technically termed GLP-1 receptor agonists, help to kickstart the insulin-making process in the pancreas to bring down blood glucose levels.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 25 Oct. 2024
My breast cancer was an estrogen receptor ductal carcinoma.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
With the widespread use of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs, which are very effective at shedding weight, researchers were concerned that this rapid loss could negatively affect skeletal muscle health.
—New Atlas, 28 Oct. 2024
The drugs, technically termed GLP-1 receptor agonists, help to kickstart the insulin-making process in the pancreas to bring down blood glucose levels.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 25 Oct. 2024
My breast cancer was an estrogen receptor ductal carcinoma.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor
Dictionary Entries Near receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 17 Nov. 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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