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
Researchers highlight that when someone habitually consumes addictive substances, the brain adapts by reducing its dopamine receptors.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
As an opioid itself, buprenorphine excites opioid receptors, preventing withdrawal symptoms.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Decoding Deception: The binding affinity of cuttlefish ink on shark smell receptors.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Like in a mouse’s brain, human brains also have opiate receptors close to the neurons that signal fullness.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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.
Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
As an opioid itself, buprenorphine excites opioid receptors, preventing withdrawal symptoms.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Decoding Deception: The binding affinity of cuttlefish ink on shark smell receptors.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Like in a mouse’s brain, human brains also have opiate receptors close to the neurons that signal fullness.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share