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
Extreme expansion of the olfactory receptor gene repertoire in African elephants and evolutionary dynamics of orthologous gene groups in 13 placental mammals
Current Biology.
—
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2024
The menthol oils activate the cold-sensitive receptors in our skin.
—Kristin Hostetter, Outside Online, 17 July 2024
Buprenorphine partially activates the mu-opioid receptor while blocking kappa-opioid receptor activation.
—Phuoc Anh (anne) Nguyen, Pharmd, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024
If the imbalance is restored and blocks the receptor, the cells can essentially be repaired to heal wounds.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for receptor 
Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 24 July 2024
The menthol oils activate the cold-sensitive receptors in our skin.
—Kristin Hostetter, Outside Online, 17 July 2024
Buprenorphine partially activates the mu-opioid receptor while blocking kappa-opioid receptor activation.
—Phuoc Anh (anne) Nguyen, Pharmd, Ms, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024
If the imbalance is restored and blocks the receptor, the cells can essentially be repaired to heal wounds.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 July 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 19 Aug. 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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