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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The receptor has proven crucial to understanding the neuropharmacology of the psychedelic experience induced by classical hallucinogens. 
Wired, 28 July 2022 Li and Tye are hopeful that scientists could one day tweak neurotensin signals to help those living with these common conditions, perhaps with molecules that target the neurotensin receptor. Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 23 July 2022 These findings raised the possibility that PTSD in mothers and fathers might lead to different epigenetic changes on the glucocorticoid receptor in children. Rachel Yehuda, Scientific American, 18 June 2022 This means that if one human-smell receptor isn’t working for some reason, the bugs have a backup. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Aug. 2022 The mosaic nanoparticle vaccine has eight different receptor binding domains (RBDs), shown in different colors on the surface of the nanoparticle. Wired, 28 July 2022 Additionally, the researchers also pinpointed the neurons in the brain that are critical to how the receptor regulates appetite. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 14 July 2022 First, mifepristone blocks the body’s receptor for the hormone progesterone, thereby disrupting the gestation process in its early stages. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 5 July 2022 According to Daly, a key gene for susceptibility is ACE-2 — an enzyme that has been identified as the receptor at which the virus invades our cells. Camille Caldera, BostonGlobe.com, 21 June 2022 See More
Wired, 28 July 2022 Li and Tye are hopeful that scientists could one day tweak neurotensin signals to help those living with these common conditions, perhaps with molecules that target the neurotensin receptor. Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 23 July 2022 These findings raised the possibility that PTSD in mothers and fathers might lead to different epigenetic changes on the glucocorticoid receptor in children. Rachel Yehuda, Scientific American, 18 June 2022 This means that if one human-smell receptor isn’t working for some reason, the bugs have a backup. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Aug. 2022 The mosaic nanoparticle vaccine has eight different receptor binding domains (RBDs), shown in different colors on the surface of the nanoparticle. Wired, 28 July 2022 Additionally, the researchers also pinpointed the neurons in the brain that are critical to how the receptor regulates appetite. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 14 July 2022 First, mifepristone blocks the body’s receptor for the hormone progesterone, thereby disrupting the gestation process in its early stages. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 5 July 2022 According to Daly, a key gene for susceptibility is ACE-2 — an enzyme that has been identified as the receptor at which the virus invades our cells. Camille Caldera, BostonGlobe.com, 21 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1898, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing receptor
Kids Definition
receptor
noun
re·cep·tor ri-ˈsep-tər
: a cell that receives a stimulus (as light or heat) and activates an associated nerve to send a message to the brain and that may be grouped into a sense organ (as a taste bud)
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