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

Too many quarters in the machine’s coin acceptor were to blame. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Apr. 2011

The Kiosks are ‘upright cabinets with two video displays, a bill acceptor and a printer.’ . . . —Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

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

Rhymes for acceptor

• preceptor
• receptor
• adrenoceptor
• photoreceptor
• baroreceptor
• chemoreceptor
• interceptor
• scepter
• sceptre

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