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
Medication side effects: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Motrin (ibuprofen), serotonin receptor agonists like Clozaril (clozapine), and anticancer medications can all affect GI health.
—
Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
The cause behind developing multiple penises is generally believed to stem from genetic mutations affecting androgen receptors during development.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2024
But when someone takes too much OxyContin or heroin or fentanyl, the drugs bash into so many neurons and attach to so many receptors that all sorts of signals can end up blocked, including breathing.
—Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor analogs are drugs that mimic fullness hormone GLP-1 and have been shown to reduce appetite, slow digestion, help stabilize blood sugar levels and impact metabolism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
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Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
The cause behind developing multiple penises is generally believed to stem from genetic mutations affecting androgen receptors during development.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2024
But when someone takes too much OxyContin or heroin or fentanyl, the drugs bash into so many neurons and attach to so many receptors that all sorts of signals can end up blocked, including breathing.
—Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor analogs are drugs that mimic fullness hormone GLP-1 and have been shown to reduce appetite, slow digestion, help stabilize blood sugar levels and impact metabolism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor
Dictionary Entries Near receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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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