receptor

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noun re·cep·tor \ ri-ˈsep-tər \

Definition of receptor

: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

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Recent Examples of receptor from the Web

Because zebrafish and humans share the same opioid receptor in their brains, as well as neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that signal pleasure and reward, the team hopes to use them to screen for new treatments for opioid addiction.

— emily underwood, Science | AAAS, "Tropical fish fiend for opioids, too," 25 Aug. 2017
In each case, the team connected the mating receptors to genes that make lycopene—the chemical that makes tomatoes red.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Turning Baker’s Yeast Into a Disease Sensor," 18 July 2017
In a lab, a gene is then inserted into the T cells that prompts them to grow a receptor that targets a special marker found on some blood cancer cells.

— linda a. johnson, The Seattle Times, "Novel leukemia treatment could be 1st US gene therapy," 12 July 2017
Hill and colleagues treated 48 transplant patients with tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis that blocks the IL-6 receptor on cell surfaces.

— jon cohen, Science | AAAS, "A stem cell transplant helped beat back a young doctor’s cancer. Now, it’s assaulting his body," 12 July 2017
Another option, Vivitrol, blocks opioid receptors, which inhibits the person’s ability to get high.

— elana gordon, Kaiser Health News, "Do-It-Yourself Detox Can Be ‘Freddy Krueger’ Scary — And Usually Fails," 7 July 2017
The study, in BMJ Open, compared people who used P.P.I.s with those who used H2 receptor antagonists (Zantac, for example) and with those who used neither.

— nicholas bakalar, New York Times, "Heartburn Drugs May Increase Risk of Early Death," 5 July 2017
Certain medications, like beta blockers, ACE receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics, can exaggerate the body’s response to heat.

— charlotteobserver, "Boat owners, volunteers needed for July 22 Big Day at the Lake," 3 July 2017
Like many other fungi, Baker’s yeast has mating receptors, proteins on its cell surface that detect pheromones released by potential partners.

— ryan cross, Science | AAAS, "How scientists are combatting deadly fungus—with baker’s yeast," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'receptor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of receptor

1898

RECEPTOR Defined for English Language Learners

receptor

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noun

Definition of receptor for English Language Learners

biology : a nerve ending that senses changes in light, temperature, pressure, etc., and causes the body to react in a particular way

RECEPTOR Defined for Kids

receptor

play

noun re·cep·tor \ ri-ˈsep-tər \

Definition of receptor for Students

:a cell that receives a stimulus (as light or heat) and activates an associated nerve to send a message to the brain and that may be grouped into a sense organ (as a taste bud)

Medical Dictionary

receptor

play

noun re·cep·tor \ ri-ˈsep-tər \

medical Definition of receptor

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

Learn More about receptor

Spanish Central: Translation of receptor Nglish: Translation of receptor for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of receptor for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about receptor

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receptor

Definition of receptor

Recent Examples of receptor from the Web

First Known Use of receptor

RECEPTOR Defined for English Language Learners

receptor

Definition of receptor for English Language Learners

RECEPTOR Defined for Kids

receptor

Definition of receptor for Students

Medical Dictionary

receptor

medical Definition of receptor

Learn More about receptor

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Definition of receptor for English Language Learners

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receptor

medical Definition of receptor

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