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
According to neurologist and lifestyle medicine physician Lynette Gogol, DO, DipABLM, caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain that are involved in inflammation and communication between nerve cells.
—
Sarah Garone, Health, 20 Feb. 2026
Caffeine releases adrenaline while blocking adenosine receptors at a higher rate.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
His mutation is associated with a neurotransmitter receptor found throughout the body, including in parts of the brain that are active during REM sleep and wakefulness.
—Shayla Love, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
These natural chemicals serve as the brain’s defense against both physical and emotional distress by targeting certain opioid receptors involved in pain, euphoria and sedation, Yovell said via email.
—Kyra Dahring, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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Sarah Garone, Health, 20 Feb. 2026
Caffeine releases adrenaline while blocking adenosine receptors at a higher rate.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 19 Feb. 2026
His mutation is associated with a neurotransmitter receptor found throughout the body, including in parts of the brain that are active during REM sleep and wakefulness.
—Shayla Love, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026
These natural chemicals serve as the brain’s defense against both physical and emotional distress by targeting certain opioid receptors involved in pain, euphoria and sedation, Yovell said via email.
—Kyra Dahring, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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