photoreceptor

noun

pho·​to·​re·​cep·​tor ˌfō-tō-ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce photoreceptor (audio)
: a receptor for light stimuli

Examples of photoreceptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Human retinas still lack a dedicated UV photoreceptor like those found in other animals. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 So there’s a cycle of retinal molecules that goes between photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 4 May 2026 Though bees have an impressive ability to see ultraviolet light, their eyes lack photoreceptors for red light. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026 In dim lighting, your rod cells, which are highly light-sensitive photoreceptors, become more active. Diana Hubbell, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for photoreceptor

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photoreceptor was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photoreceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photoreceptor. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

photoreceptor

noun
pho·​to·​re·​cep·​tor -ˈsep-tər How to pronounce photoreceptor (audio)
: a receptor for light stimuli

More from Merriam-Webster on photoreceptor

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster