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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!