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

Nicotine molecules bind to the body’s nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are involved in regulating the dopamine reward system, and the resulting feel-good sensation is what makes nicotine addictive. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2025

The lateral line runs the length of the fish’s body and is connected to receptors in the fish’s skin to detect movements in the surrounding water. —Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Moving forward, the biologists hope to look into how much ants can adapt their olfactory receptors based on these interactions to see if the knowledge translates on an even deeper level. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2025

Schacht recommends two drugs: naltrexone, which reduces your desire for booze by blocking opioid receptors, and acamprosate, which also reduces cravings. —April Fulton, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025

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