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
And, on top of that, adenosine A2A receptor activation also improves the skin repair process by promoting the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.
—
New Atlas, 26 May 2025
History Meets Virology The new hypothesis draws on more than just receptor biology.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
But glutamate can’t work without unlocking what is known as the NDMA receptor.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Studies show that grandmothers have lower DNA methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), which is linked to stronger emotional bonds with grandchildren.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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New Atlas, 26 May 2025
History Meets Virology The new hypothesis draws on more than just receptor biology.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
But glutamate can’t work without unlocking what is known as the NDMA receptor.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Studies show that grandmothers have lower DNA methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), which is linked to stronger emotional bonds with grandchildren.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 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 4 Jun. 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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