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

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

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