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
The research that is now available shows that cannabinoid receptors are present in the fetus as early as 5 weeks, and the main psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, can cross the placenta and transfer into breast milk – and that exposure is associated with risks of adverse outcomes.
—
Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
As a result, high-sodium vegetable juices may reduce the benefits conferred by medications like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 18 Sep. 2025
One theory is that vinegar stimulates nerve receptors in the mouth, signaling he brain to calm the cramping.
—Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2025
Orforglipron works on the same receptor as semaglutide (licensed for diabetes under the name Ozempic and for weight loss under Wegovy).
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
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Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
As a result, high-sodium vegetable juices may reduce the benefits conferred by medications like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 18 Sep. 2025
One theory is that vinegar stimulates nerve receptors in the mouth, signaling he brain to calm the cramping.
—Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2025
Orforglipron works on the same receptor as semaglutide (licensed for diabetes under the name Ozempic and for weight loss under Wegovy).
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for receptor
Cite this Entry
“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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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