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.
In dim lighting, your rod cells, which are highly light-sensitive photoreceptors, become more active. — Diana Hubbell, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025 Though bees have an impressive ability to see ultraviolet light, their eyes lack photoreceptors for red light. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026 Vertebrates, however, brought both types of photoreceptors into the same organ. — Federica Sgorbissa, ArsTechnica, 6 Mar. 2026 That chip replaces damaged photoreceptors. — Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 23 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

Rhymes for photoreceptor

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Browse Nearby Words

photoreception
photoreceptor
photoreconnaissance
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Cite this Entry

“Photoreceptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photoreceptor. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about photoreceptor

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