receptor

American  

[ri-sep-ter] / rɪˈsɛp tər /

noun

receptors plural

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.

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receptor British  

/ 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

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receptor Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• receptors
  plural

Etymology

Origin of receptor

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

Explanation

A receptor is a protein in a cell that binds to a substance and causes a specific effect on the cell. It's also the name of a cell that senses stimuli like pain, heat, or light. Receptor shares a Latin root with receive that means "take in or admit." Both kinds of biological receptors work by receiving something and responding to it. In the case of sensory receptors, these tiny cells take in stimuli and send information through your nervous system so your body can respond — by closing your eyes against a bright light or dropping a hot pan, for example.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

receptor receptors

“While direct-to-consumer platforms have increased patient access to GLP-1 receptor agonists, these findings suggest that some do so through impersonal care that prioritizes quick prescriptions over comprehensive care,” the researchers wrote.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

“Limited clinician engagement, especially when prescribing compounded GLP-1 receptor agonists with uncertain safety, efficacy, and quality, may increase risks of medical and financial harm,” the researchers concluded.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

Specifically, the pain-relieving effects were linked to the adenosine A2a receptor -- a receptor that caffeine targets and blocks -- suggesting that terpenes may also have sedative properties.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 20, 2026

At the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions, Mass General Brigham researcher Vanita Aroda, MD, presented results from SOLSTICE, a phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the oral GLP-1 receptor agonist elecoglipron.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 15, 2026

They wander, as we do, searching for facts to fit their sparser stock of hypotheses, but when the receptor meets its match, there is only a single thud.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Serotonin communicates by attaching to receptors on a cell's surface.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026

It acts on receptors in the brain that control appetite, making people feel fuller, less hungry and crave food less.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

It goes on to say: "Grazing animals, currently on-site and situated in the surrounding farmland may also be potential receptors, impacted directly from ingestion of impacted soils and/or spring waters."

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

This change increased the number of GluK4 glutamate receptors, making certain neurons more excitable than normal.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 3, 2026

There are polymers that will fit the receptors of one line of guinea pigs or mice but not others; there are responders and nonresponders.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas