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

Sometimes a medicine itself is responsible, but in other cases, the chemicals in a drug activate bitter taste receptors in your mouth. —Katie Camero, SELF, 27 Nov. 2024

The peptides activate receptors of a gut hormone called GLP-1, while the antibody blocks receptors of another hormone called GIP hormone. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2024

Extra spicy In the United States, many people seek out spicy ramen, but that’s not necessarily the case in Japan, according to Osaka, where ramen wasn’t meant to bind to your tongue and set off pain receptors in your brain. —Jonathan Shikes, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024

These include: Inderal (propranolol): This beta blocker targets specific receptors in your heart to help lower heart rate and blood pressure. —Heidi Cope, Health, 6 Nov. 2024

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