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

Semaglutide also has a longer half-life than the older GLP-1s and may have a stronger effect on receptors in the brain, which could help explain the difference in findings, Moreno adds. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 19 Mar. 2026

Its results may show whether this kind of dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist has different outcomes than GLP-1s alone. —Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026

The study adds to the literature showing that alcohol has detrimental effects on synaptic transmission, synaptic function, synaptic plasticity, and overall behavior by altering neurotransmitter release, receptor signaling, and gene expression in the brain. —Christopher Gardner, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026

There are complicated brain-chemistry factors involved that have to do with testosterone, and dopaminergic systems, and kappa-opioid receptors, all of which seem to add up to a Jim Gaffigan joke about how men are morons compared with their wives. —Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 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