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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1898, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing receptor
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
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
More from Merriam-Webster on receptor
Nglish: Translation of receptor for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of receptor for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about receptor
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