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
In 1993, Kenyon doubled the lifespan of a roundworm, Caenorhabditis elegans, with the tweak of a single gene that targeted its insulin receptors.
—
Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Estrogen receptors are concentrated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, governing memory, executive function, and decision-making.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 2 May 2026
Some bind to the brain’s opioid receptors weakly.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
In the study, researchers looked at what compounds in the coffee influenced the receptor's activity.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 1 May 2026
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Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026
Estrogen receptors are concentrated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, governing memory, executive function, and decision-making.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 2 May 2026
Some bind to the brain’s opioid receptors weakly.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
In the study, researchers looked at what compounds in the coffee influenced the receptor's activity.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 1 May 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 6 May. 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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