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

Yet a 2014 study found that progesterone receptors are also found in most meningiomas — a type of tumor, usually benign, that grows from the outer layers of tissue surrounding the brain. —Lily Carey, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024

Marini further explains that our skin has receptor sites like alpha, beta, gamma to recognize and connect with a retinoic acid. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 16 Apr. 2024

The agency examined reports of suicidal thoughts or actions to its adverse event reporting system, but a preliminary review found there wasn’t a clear link to the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 15 Apr. 2024

Researchers have recently discovered that the bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor (BMPR2) gene, which mainly regulates bone and cartilage growth, can be linked to PAH when mutations occur. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

That inhibition in other areas of the body may be due to SSRIs potentially restricting blood flow by binding to alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which are found in blood vessels in the skin, brain and more. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024

Concerned readers will be happy to know that plants don’t have nerves or pain receptors. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024

Getting into the science of CBD topicals, the Cannabinoid receptors that the body uses are CB1 and CB2. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

This phytonutrient attaches to the receptors on the taste buds that detect temperature, sending signals of spicy heat to the brain. —Anthea Levi, Health, 30 Mar. 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