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
Key details include tumor size, lymph node involvement, hormone receptor status, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) status and tumor grade.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
Semaglutide binds to receptors in the brain, gut, pancreas and other tissues, which is part of why side effects show up across so many organ systems.
—Allison Palmer
updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
That drug activates the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, producing dramatic weight loss.
—Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 13 June 2026
To overcome the tumor microenvironment, researchers have developed a treatment called chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, known as CAR-T therapy for short.
—Charles J. Dimitroff, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026
Semaglutide binds to receptors in the brain, gut, pancreas and other tissues, which is part of why side effects show up across so many organ systems.
—Allison Palmer
updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
That drug activates the GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors, producing dramatic weight loss.
—Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 13 June 2026
To overcome the tumor microenvironment, researchers have developed a treatment called chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, known as CAR-T therapy for short.
—Charles J. Dimitroff, The Conversation, 12 June 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 17 Jun. 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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