receptor

[ ri-sep-ter ]

noun

1. Physiology. an end organ or a group of end organs of sensory or afferent neurons, specialized to be sensitive to stimulating agents, as touch or heat.
2. Cell Biology. any of various specific protein molecules in surface membranes of cells and organelles to which complementary molecules, as hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, or antibodies, may become bound.
3. the panlike base of a stall shower.

receptor

/ rɪˈsɛptə /

noun

1. physiol a sensory nerve ending that changes specific stimuli into nerve impulses
2. any of various devices that receive information, signals, etc

receptor

/ rĭ-sĕp′tər /

1. A nerve ending or other structure in the body, such as a photoreceptor, specialized to sense or receive stimuli. Skin receptors respond to stimuli such as touch and pressure and signal the brain by activating portions of the nervous system. Receptors in the nose detect the presence of certain chemicals, leading to the perception of odor.
2. A structure or site, found on the surface of a cell or within a cell, that can bind to a hormone, antigen, or other chemical substance and thereby begin a change in the cell. For example, when a mast cell within the body encounters an allergen, specialized receptors on the mast cell bind to the allergen, resulting in the release of histamine by the mast cell. The histamine then binds to histamine receptors in other cells of the body, which initiate the response known as inflammation as well as other responses. In this way, the symptoms of an allergic reaction are produced. Antihistamine drugs work by preventing the binding of histamine to histamine receptors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of receptor¹

1400–50; late Middle English receptour < Old French < Latin receptor. See reception, -tor

Example Sentences

Modern technology allows one to peek inside the brain, seeing what olfactory receptors activate in response to what odors.

From Nautilus

Strong evidence of ACE2 receptors on beta cells could confirm the long-standing suspicion that viruses trigger diabetes.

From Washington Post

They contain mutations that appear to enhance the virus’s ability to bind to human receptor cells.

From Washington Post

They then tapped synthetic biology to make mosquito odor receptors from scratch using DNA.

From Singularity Hub 

Yet like THC, CBG appears to interact directly with the cannabinoid receptors in our brains, making it more effective than CBD — which does not share this mechanism.

From Ozy

Once in the system, it binds with opioid receptor cells that send endorphins shooting through the body.

From The Daily Beast

The Miraculin binds to the sweet receptor in your mouth and makes sour, or acidic foods taste incredibly sweet.

From The Daily Beast

Particular versions of dopamine receptor genes have been associated with higher physical activity and lower body mass index.

From The Daily Beast

But unlike alcohol, Xanax only affects one specific type of brain receptor.

From The Daily Beast

In newborns of depressed or anxious mothers, a 2008 study found, this stress-hormone-receptor gene also tends to be silenced.

From The Daily Beast

But it was several kilometers from the gas receptor end to the people end of the asteroid.

From Project Gutenberg

Michael Blades was outside, overseeing the installation of a receptor, when his earplug buzzed.

From Project Gutenberg

The observatory's multiple-receptor receiver had been stepped up to maximum amplification.

From Project Gutenberg

Within an hour a complete television sending apparatus was placed within the field and a receptor screen set up in the laboratory.

From Project Gutenberg

He snapped up, at the bargain price of ten credits, the receptor that Plato offered.

From Project Gutenberg