receptor

noun

re·​cep·​tor ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce receptor (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Intellectually, Cousins knew laughter was good for the body, producing endorphins, chemicals produced in the brain that act on the same receptors as morphine to mask pain. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 26 Dec. 2024 Without this component or without the proper receptors on the cell surface, infection won’t occur. Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024 But research published in the journal Science this month found that the version of the virus circulating in cows could bind to human receptors after a single mutation. Evan Bush, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024 Earlier this month, a study published in Science by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute showed that a single mutation in the virus strain spreading among dairy herds could switch its preference from bird to human receptors. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for receptor 

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of receptor was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near receptor

Cite this Entry

“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

receptor

noun
re·​cep·​tor ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce receptor (audio)
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 How to pronounce receptor (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on receptor

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