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
Everyone in the study took a combination blood pressure drug containing the angiotensin II receptor blocker olmesartan 20 milligrams (mg) and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine 5 mg.
—
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 July 2025
This variation may relate to genetic factors, according to research, including the sensitivity of your testosterone receptors.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
For example, some stomach cancers have cells that have too much of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).
—Marla Anderson, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025
As organisms transitioned from water to land, the number of olfactory receptors increased, and supporting structures such as nostrils evolved as well.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 July 2025
This variation may relate to genetic factors, according to research, including the sensitivity of your testosterone receptors.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
For example, some stomach cancers have cells that have too much of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).
—Marla Anderson, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025
As organisms transitioned from water to land, the number of olfactory receptors increased, and supporting structures such as nostrils evolved as well.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 3 July 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 25 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share