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

Much like having a cold, the subsequent congestion can then block odor molecules from reaching olfactory receptors. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026

The treatment involves reengineering T cells—a type of immune defender—into chimeric antigen receptor T cells (hence, CAR-T) that can kill other cells of scientists’ choosing. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026

The German physician-scientist could produce the cells — chimeric antigen receptors, or CARs — at his institution, which was half the battle. —Isabella Cueto, STAT, 9 Apr. 2026

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration approved Icotyde , an IL-23 (interleukin-23) receptor antagonist for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children 12 and older. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 8 Apr. 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