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
The great tree is festooned with receptors and wires.
—
Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
With astrocytes out of the picture, glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, spilled into extrasynaptic zones, flipping on NMDA receptors and revving up vasopressin neuron activity.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
Black cohosh also targeted opioid receptors in the emotional areas of the brain which could affect a person’s perception of pain.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025
These receptors are like ports that shuttle molecules into and out of these cells.
—Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
With astrocytes out of the picture, glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, spilled into extrasynaptic zones, flipping on NMDA receptors and revving up vasopressin neuron activity.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
Black cohosh also targeted opioid receptors in the emotional areas of the brain which could affect a person’s perception of pain.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025
These receptors are like ports that shuttle molecules into and out of these cells.
—Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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