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

Magnesium blocks these receptors, which can help relieve or prevent pain.6 Magnesium Deficiencies and Pain Low magnesium levels can lead to muscle cramps and pain. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 30 Apr. 2025

These drugs work by activating estrogen receptors in bone tissue to prevent bone breakdown. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025

The study , a synthetic fragrance used in many scented personal care products and household items, as a compound that activates receptors in the hypothalamus responsible for releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Blocking this receptor has already been shown in past studies to enhance the effectiveness of T cells, the immune system’s frontline fighters against infections and tumors. —Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025

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