mechanoreceptor
noun
mech·a·no·re·cep·tor
ˌme-kə-nō-ri-ˈsep-tər 
: a neural end organ (such as a tactile receptor) that responds to a mechanical stimulus (such as a change in pressure)
Examples of mechanoreceptor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The backhanded stimulation technique works because your palm and finger pads are way, way more sensitive than the backs of your hands, thanks to about 60 times more mechanoreceptors on the palmar side.
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IEEE Spectrum, 22 Apr. 2023
Bednarsek also saw, to her surprise, that the acidic water was impacting the crabs’ ability to grow hair-like sensory organs called mechanoreceptors.
—oregonlive, 24 Jan. 2020
Their mechanoreceptors respond to lacunae and threats as small as 13 nanometers in amplitude.
—Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 21 Jan. 2020
IEEE Spectrum, 22 Apr. 2023
Bednarsek also saw, to her surprise, that the acidic water was impacting the crabs’ ability to grow hair-like sensory organs called mechanoreceptors.
—oregonlive, 24 Jan. 2020
Their mechanoreceptors respond to lacunae and threats as small as 13 nanometers in amplitude.
—Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 21 Jan. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mechanoreceptor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near mechanoreceptor
Cite this Entry
“Mechanoreceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanoreceptor. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Medical Definition
mechanoreceptor
noun
mech·a·no·re·cep·tor
-ri-ˈsep-tər
: a neural end organ (as a Pacinian corpuscle) that responds to a mechanical stimulus (as a change in pressure)
More from Merriam-Webster on mechanoreceptor
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mechanoreceptor
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