mechanoreceptor

noun

mech·​a·​no·​re·​cep·​tor ˌme-kə-nō-ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce mechanoreceptor (audio)
: a neural end organ (such as a tactile receptor) that responds to a mechanical stimulus (such as a change in pressure)
mechanoreception noun
mechanoreceptive adjective

Examples of mechanoreceptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The backhanded stimulation technique works because your palm and finger pads are way, way more sensitive than the backs of your hands, thanks to about 60 times more mechanoreceptors on the palmar side. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Apr. 2023 Bednarsek also saw, to her surprise, that the acidic water was impacting the crabs’ ability to grow hair-like sensory organs called mechanoreceptors. oregonlive, 24 Jan. 2020 Their mechanoreceptors respond to lacunae and threats as small as 13 nanometers in amplitude. Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 21 Jan. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mechanoreceptor was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near mechanoreceptor

Cite this Entry

“Mechanoreceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mechanoreceptor. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

mechanoreceptor

noun
mech·​a·​no·​re·​cep·​tor -ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce mechanoreceptor (audio)
: a neural end organ (as a Pacinian corpuscle) that responds to a mechanical stimulus (as a change in pressure)
mechanoreception noun
mechanoreceptive adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on mechanoreceptor

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!