beta-adrenocepter

noun

be·​ta-adre·​no·​cep·​ter ¦bā-tə-ə-¦drē-nə-ˌsep-tər+ 

variants or less commonly beta-adrenoreceptor

¦bā-tə-ə-¦drē-nə-ri-ˌsep-tər+ 

plural beta-adrenocepters also beta-adrenoreceptors

: beta-receptor

Stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors tends to decrease the total peripheral resistance to blood flow and potently increases the force and rate of the heartbeat.

—David S. Goldstein, Adrenaline and the Inner World … , 2006

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

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