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

Affecting the first two receptors means retatrutide may help suppress appetite and slow digestion, which can help users feel full after eating even smaller meals. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Mitragynine and 7-OH can bind to the brain’s mu opioid receptors, which help regulate pain, breathing, gastrointestinal activity and more. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

The compounds interact with the brain's opioid receptors, which can mimic the effects of drugs such as hydrocodone, including sedation, euphoria and a decrease in pain, according to the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Drug Abuse. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026

Some consumers may be concerned that aluminum, when absorbed into the body, can affect estrogen receptors in breast cells. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Mar. 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
• photoreceptor
• baroreceptor
• 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