alpha receptor

or al·pha-re·cep·tor

noun

a site on a cell that, upon interaction with epinephrine or norepinephrine, controls vasoconstriction, intestinal relaxation, pupil dilation, and other physiological processes.

Compare beta receptor.

Origin of alpha receptor

First recorded in 1960–65

Also called alpha-adrenergic receptor.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018