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
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This neurocosmetic innovation, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning research on touch receptors, works by activating sensory pathways in the skin to trigger the release of mood-regulating biomarkers, establishing a continuous feedback loop between skin repair and emotional balance.
—
Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
New research has found that the weight loss and diabetes drugs — officially known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists — are associated with a reduced risk of some cancers, especially in women.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Most release chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters, which travel across the tiny gaps known as synapses and dock onto cuplike proteins called receptors on the next neuron.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
The receptors in your hands respond to myriad stimuli-like pressures—vibrations in sync with 15 different families of neurons.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
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Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
New research has found that the weight loss and diabetes drugs — officially known as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists — are associated with a reduced risk of some cancers, especially in women.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Most release chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters, which travel across the tiny gaps known as synapses and dock onto cuplike proteins called receptors on the next neuron.
—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
The receptors in your hands respond to myriad stimuli-like pressures—vibrations in sync with 15 different families of neurons.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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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