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
The study, on dog domestication, found that dogs possess two mutations of a gene known as melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), which is linked to the production of cortisol, a hormone released during moments of fear or anxiety.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Selective beta-blocker: This type of beta-blocker primarily targets beta-1 receptors, which are found in the heart.
—Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
Hormone receptor test: This can determine whether any cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 27 Feb. 2025
The body prunes these receptors — brings them inside its cells — possibly to protect against overstimulation.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Selective beta-blocker: This type of beta-blocker primarily targets beta-1 receptors, which are found in the heart.
—Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
Hormone receptor test: This can determine whether any cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 27 Feb. 2025
The body prunes these receptors — brings them inside its cells — possibly to protect against overstimulation.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 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 23 Mar. 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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