Main Entry: re·cep·tor

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈsep-tər\

Function: noun

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