acceptor

noun

ac·​cep·​tor ik-ˈsep-tər 

ak-

1

: accepter sense 1

2

: one that accepts an order or a bill of exchange

3

: an atom, molecule, or subatomic particle capable of receiving another entity (such as an electron) especially to form a compound compare donor sense 3a

Examples of acceptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Exposing the molecules to green light caused an electron to jump from the donor to the acceptor over a distance of about four nanometers. —Henrik Mouritsen, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2022

This gives exosomes an unrivalled ability to specifically target acceptor cells expressing particular surface antigens. —Philip W. Askenase, Scientific American, 17 June 2020

Magee’s brainwave was to install a device that had a coin acceptor and a dial to engage a timing mechanism. —Tony Borroz, WIRED, 13 May 2010

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acceptour (in the phrase acceptour of persones, translation of the Vulgate phrase personarum acceptor—Acts 10:34), borrowed from Latin acceptor, from accipere "to take, receive" + -tor, agent suffix — more at accept

First Known Use

1504, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

acceptor

noun

ac·​cep·​tor ik-ˈsep-tər, ak- 

: an atom, molecule, or subatomic particle capable of receiving another entity (as an electron) especially to form a compound compare donor sense 2