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

Some dog breeds, like bloodhounds, are known to have more smell receptors than cats, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, however felines may be able to distinguish between similar scents better than most dogs can. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025

Lemke, a neuroscientist, is known for discovering the TAM family of cell receptors and their role in brain inflammation. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025

As of 2024, one in eight adults in the United States has taken a GLP-1 medication (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) like Ozempic. Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied national surveillance data collected at dozens of hospitals. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 1 May 2025

Supporting the Immune System: CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps regulate immune function. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 28 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