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

These compounds, especially 7-OH, bind to the brain’s mu opioid receptors, which help regulate pain, breathing, gastrointestinal activity and more. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026

First responders typically treat opioid overdoses with a drug called naloxone, which temporarily blocks the mu-opioid receptors. — New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026

Existing glucagonlike peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs such as semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, bind to GLP-1 hormone receptors in the brain, where the receptors help regulate hunger. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026

The Danish drugmaker has licensed from Hengrui Pharma a once-weekly, oral GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that is ready for Phase 1 clinical development. — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 29 Sep. 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