receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
ri-ˈsep-tər 
: receiver: such as
a
: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ
b
: a chemical group or molecule (such as a protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus
Examples of receptor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Their body reduces the number of dopamine receptors – sites in the brain that bind dopamine – as a result, causing previously motivating and joyous activities to seem bleak.
—
Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Your Body Produces More Digestive Enzymes The bitter flavor in these greens sends signals to special taste receptors in your mouth and gut.
—Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2026
In the brain, glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and affects NMDA receptors, which promote a calming, sleep-friendly state of mind.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Zofran, the brand name for ondansetron, is a prescription anti-nausea medication that blocks serotonin receptors in your gut and brain that, in turn, prevents them from triggering nausea and vomiting.
—Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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Emma Fenske, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Your Body Produces More Digestive Enzymes The bitter flavor in these greens sends signals to special taste receptors in your mouth and gut.
—Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2026
In the brain, glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and affects NMDA receptors, which promote a calming, sleep-friendly state of mind.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
Zofran, the brand name for ondansetron, is a prescription anti-nausea medication that blocks serotonin receptors in your gut and brain that, in turn, prevents them from triggering nausea and vomiting.
—Julia Ries Wexler, SELF, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
ri-ˈsep-tər
1
: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ
2
: a molecule (as protein) on the surface or in the inside of a cell that recognizes and joins to specific molecules causing a certain activity within the cell to begin
Medical Definition
receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
ri-ˈsep-tər
1
: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ
2
: a chemical group or molecule (as a protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus
3
: a cellular entity (as a beta-receptor or alpha-receptor) that is a postulated intermediary between a chemical agent (as a neurohormone) acting on nervous tissue and the physiological or pharmacological response
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