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

Most meningiomas have receptors that react to the hormone progesterone. —Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Rn, Health, 25 Dec. 2024

That may be because human eyes share the same types of sialic acid receptors that are most common in birds. —Brenda Goodman, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024

Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARBs): These relax blood vessels by acting on receptors in the walls of the vessels. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024

Animals such as birds and humans have different docking stations on their cells — known as sialic acid receptors. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 5 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