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

But products sold in Missouri and elsewhere vary widely in potency, and some contain elevated levels of mitragynine and especially 7-OH — compounds that activate the brain’s opioid receptors. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025

While actual chilies inflict their burn via capsaicin that interacts with the pain receptors in your mouth, Sichuan pepper contains a molecule called hydroxy-α-sanshool that creates the illusion of a light touch on your lips and tongue. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 21 Nov. 2025

Those now-familiar medications target a pathway involving the appetite-regulating hormone GLP-1; the new ones target cell receptors for a different hormone, amylin. —Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 19 Nov. 2025

For short-term comfort, a warm compress over the sinuses or topical remedies like Vicks VapoRub may soothe symptoms, as its vapors stimulate nasal receptors. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 Nov. 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