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

For instance, the Cleveland Clinic researchers found that, across seven tumor types, people who had tumors packed with GLP-1 receptors were 33 percent less likely to die during the follow up period; people with breast cancer tumors had the greatest improvements in survival. —Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 8 June 2026

Glucagon-targeting drugs are thought to be particularly helpful in cutting liver fat, since there are glucagon receptors in the liver. —Elaine Chen, STAT, 7 June 2026

Unlike tirzepatide, however, Amgen’s drug blocks this receptor. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 6 June 2026

New research on a gene receptor called GPR133 and a yearlong prune trial are reshaping how scientists think about bone loss, especially for postmenopausal women, who carry the highest risk and have the fewest treatment options that go beyond simply slowing the damage. —Allison Palmer june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

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
• baroreceptor
• photoreceptor
• 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