photoreceptor

noun

pho·​to·​re·​cep·​tor ˌfō-tō-ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce photoreceptor (audio)
: a receptor for light stimuli

Examples of photoreceptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s called Olo, and it was revealed using a new system called Oz that stimulates individual photoreceptor cells in the eye with lasers. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 2 July 2025 Specifically, the protein helps refresh special pigments in photoreceptor cells so that they can be used over again. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 Within the eye, rods and cones are two types of photoreceptor cells that detect light and convert it into electrical signals for the brain. Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 28 June 2025 Human vision relies on photoreceptor cells in the retina that react to visible light and trigger neurons in the optic nerve to send signals to the brain. ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for photoreceptor

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photoreceptor was in 1906

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Cite this Entry

“Photoreceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photoreceptor. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

photoreceptor

noun
pho·​to·​re·​cep·​tor -ˈsep-tər How to pronounce photoreceptor (audio)
: a receptor for light stimuli

More from Merriam-Webster on photoreceptor

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