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

Trump understands the raw emotion of posting and engaging, the jolt that all but the most jaded users feel whenever the likes and replies start to roll in and the dopamine receptors activate. —Matthew Kirschenbaum, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024

These include diuretics with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), or calcium channel blockers. —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024

Nearly all of the body’s tissues have what’s called glucocorticoid receptors, which means that excess cortisol in the body can impact nearly every system, including the nervous system. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2024

There are likely well over a billion people worldwide who are medically eligible to take a GLP-1 receptor agonist, according to FDA criteria. —Ross Wollen, EverydayHealth.com, 22 July 2024

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

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