photoreceptor

noun

pho·​to·​re·​cep·​tor ˌfō-tō-ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce photoreceptor (audio)
: a receptor for light stimuli

Examples of photoreceptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The retina consists of a series of photoreceptor cells known commonly as rods and cones. New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2025 Mantis shrimp, on the other hand, have between 12 and 16 types of photoreceptors. Scott Travers, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 It’s called Olo, and it was revealed using a new system called Oz that stimulates individual photoreceptor cells in the eye with lasers. Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 2 July 2025 Specifically, the protein helps refresh special pigments in photoreceptor cells so that they can be used over again. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for photoreceptor

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photoreceptor was in 1906

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Cite this Entry

“Photoreceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photoreceptor. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

photoreceptor

noun
pho·​to·​re·​cep·​tor -ˈsep-tər How to pronounce photoreceptor (audio)
: a receptor for light stimuli

More from Merriam-Webster on photoreceptor

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