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
This new class of drugs, called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists, has proven remarkably effective at promoting weight loss and other health outcomes.
—
Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024
Whereas semaglutide targets just the GLP-1 receptor, the newer tirzepatide targets GLP-1 plus another receptor, GIP.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 1 July 2024
Dementia Studies have suggested that people with type 2 diabetes who take GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, may have a lower rate of dementia compared to people given a placebo.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 25 June 2024
Classical psychedelics target a specific type of serotonin receptor in the brain, which temporarily increases the amount of serotonin.
—Lily Carey, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor 
Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024
Whereas semaglutide targets just the GLP-1 receptor, the newer tirzepatide targets GLP-1 plus another receptor, GIP.
—Emily Mullin, WIRED, 1 July 2024
Dementia Studies have suggested that people with type 2 diabetes who take GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, may have a lower rate of dementia compared to people given a placebo.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 25 June 2024
Classical psychedelics target a specific type of serotonin receptor in the brain, which temporarily increases the amount of serotonin.
—Lily Carey, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'receptor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 15 Jul. 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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