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

By modulating your serotonin and cannabinoid receptors, CBD demonstrates its potential as a second-line treatment for multiple conditions. —The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Sep. 2023

Strong flavors, such as vinegar, capsaicin or ginger, stimulate special channels on the nerves (transient receptor potential aka TRP channels). —Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, oregonlive, 4 Sep. 2023

Some studies suggest that CBD interacts with receptors related to appetite regulation in both humans and animals. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 Aug. 2023

Human receptor sites are not universally standardized and identical. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 29 Aug. 2023

Lehner says ticks have a strong sense of smell in order to find food sources, which is why blocking their scent receptors is a sure way to keep them away. —Steven Rowe, Health, 28 Aug. 2023

Perhaps most problematically, they are known to bind with at least 14 receptors. —Kim Tingley, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2023

However, many diseases, such as DLBCL, have different receptor sites on the cells that antibodies can target. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2023

In fact, a study of multiple different bee species found that pollen did not interact with estrogen receptors in the lab, says Dr. Rodgers. —Kylie Gilbert, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2023

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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

• alpha-receptor
• beta-receptor
• selective estrogen receptor modulator
• stretch receptor
• T cell receptor

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