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

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Etymology

Origin of receptor

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

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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

When the researchers applied the P2X7 receptor antagonist, they were able to interfere with signals released by microglia as the cells became damaged and died.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 7, 2026

When researchers blocked this receptor, inflammation in human brain tissue was significantly reduced.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 7, 2026

The receptor also appeared to play an important role in maintaining normal tissue health and stability.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 4, 2026

Those studies found particularly high levels of the vitamin D receptor in rare groups of fibroblasts that live within tissues.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 4, 2026

When the connection is made, and a particular lymphocyte with a particular receptor is brought into the presence of the particular antigen, one of the greatest small spectacles in nature occurs.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

This shared feature attracted the attention of Banfield and his colleagues because it suggested that scientists might be able to redesign the receptors to recognize additional fungal threats.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026

The next step is to determine whether the engineered receptors can provide effective protection in whole plants grown under controlled greenhouse conditions.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026

Although researchers are still learning how these receptors operate, they appear to offer additional opportunities for strengthening plant defenses.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026

"We think these two classes of immune receptors, NLRs and TKPs, are probably activated in different ways," said Professor Banfield.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026

Even though our receptors are not sensitive enough to hear it, there is comfort in knowing that the sound is there overhead, like the random noise of rain on the roof at night.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

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