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
Connie and Tristan are testing a new drug that stimulates the feel-good dopamine receptors in the brain.
—
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
Because its structure is similar to that of adenosine, caffeine can bind to adenosine receptors on nerve cells.
—Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025
In his study, up to 75% of children with autism showed deficiencies in brain folate, and that children with lower levels of the folate receptor in particular improved their language, interpersonal, social, and coping skills.
—Alice Park, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
While their formulations are all slightly different, drugs like Trulicity, Ozempic, and Wegovy are all Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
—New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
Because its structure is similar to that of adenosine, caffeine can bind to adenosine receptors on nerve cells.
—Emily Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2025
In his study, up to 75% of children with autism showed deficiencies in brain folate, and that children with lower levels of the folate receptor in particular improved their language, interpersonal, social, and coping skills.
—Alice Park, Time, 23 Sep. 2025
While their formulations are all slightly different, drugs like Trulicity, Ozempic, and Wegovy are all Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
—New Atlas, 21 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 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
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