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

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

One medication already used to treat hypertension, losartan, inhibits the angiotensin receptor.

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The team discovered that active neurons release VLK, which increases the activity of a receptor involved in pain, learning and memory.

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The system uses machine learning to analyze millions of immune-cell receptors—the molecular fingerprints left as the body responds to threats—and detect patterns linked to autoimmune activity.

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When PU.1 levels drop, these cells increase the production of certain lymphoid immunoregulatory receptor proteins, which are typically involved in managing immune responses in the body.

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A portion of Earth's water resides in extremely small spaces, including molecular cavities found in protein binding sites or synthetic receptors.

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