interoceptor

American

[in-tuh-roh-sep-ter] / ˌɪn tə roʊˈsɛp tər /

noun

Physiology.

a receptor, especially of the viscera, responding to stimuli originating from within the body.

interoceptor British

/ ˌɪntərəʊˈsɛptə /

noun

physiol a sensory receptor of an internal organ (excluding the muscles) Compare exteroceptor proprioceptor

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

interoceptive adjective

Etymology

Origin of interoceptor

1905–10; inter(ior) + -o- + (re)ceptor; cf. exteroceptor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The interoceptor sense refers to the ability to know what’s going on internally, such as whether you’re hungry or thirsty or need to use the restroom, Fetty said.

From Washington Times • Feb. 28, 2016

In addition to the familiar five senses, humans also have proprioceptor, vestibular and interoceptor senses, Fetty said.

From Washington Times • Feb. 28, 2016

An interoceptor is one that interprets stimuli from internal organs and tissues, such as the receptors that sense the increase in blood pressure in the aorta or carotid sinus.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023