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

Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors—tens of thousands more than humans. —Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Also, estrogen receptors, which can be compared to locks on cells with estrogen being the key that activates them, may decrease with age. —Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 30 June 2025

Apply a thick layer of steroid-like over-the-counter cortisone cream mixed with a thick emollient like Dr. Rossi Derm MD Night Synthesis (the peptide in the night synthesis targets the TRPV1 receptor to help block the inflammatory cascade), or pure aloe vera gel also works. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 June 2025

This process then triggered a genetic switch called SP1, which boosted the number of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) receptors – minute sensors on the surface of the immune cells that detect components of certain bacteria. —New Atlas, 27 June 2025

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

Rhymes for receptor

• acceptor
• preceptor
• adrenoceptor
• photoreceptor
• baroreceptor
• chemoreceptor
• interceptor
• scepter
• sceptre

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