photoreceptor

American  

[foh-toh-ri-sep-ter] / ˌfoʊ toʊ rɪˈsɛp tər /

noun

Physiology, Biology.

1. a receptor stimulated by light.

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photoreceptor British  

/ ˌfəʊtəʊrɪˈsɛptə /

noun

1. zoology physiol a light-sensitive cell or organ that conveys impulses through the sensory neuron connected to it

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photoreceptor Scientific  

/ fō′tō-rĭ-sĕp′tər /

1. A specialized structure or cell that is sensitive to light. In vertebrate animals, the photoreceptors are the rods and cones of the eye's retina.

2. See Note at circadian rhythm

3. An electronic device that converts light energy into electrical signals. Photoreceptors are used in photocopy and facsimile machines, cameras, and solar cells.

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Etymology

Origin of photoreceptor

First recorded in 1905–10; photo- + receptor

Example Sentences

He explains, "Remarkably, Nadja's work showed that bristleworm eyes can also add new photoreceptor cells and expand their size -- a trait that has not been well studied outside the vertebrate lineage."

From Science Daily • Dec. 2, 2025

“They actually have a special type of photoreceptor that flowering plants and other seed plants do not have, so they’re able to photosynthesize in really low light conditions,” Sessa said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2023

This advantage would allow the worms to pass on their genes, allowing for natural selection to continue favoring genes that produce photoreceptor cells and benefit its survival.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2023

In the vertebrate eye, when light hits a light-sensitive photoreceptor in the retina, vitamin A complexes become kinked, setting off an electrical pulse that activates the optic nerve.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 9, 2023

Irradiation by red light converts the photoreceptor phytochrome to its far-red light-absorbing form—Pfr.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022