receptor

noun

re·​cep·​tor ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce receptor (audio)
: 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
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.
For stage 1 and 2, the prognosis, particularly with hormone receptor positive breast cancer, is very optimistic. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 How caffeine actually works in your body Caffeine’s real job is receptor blockade. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 That is why tirzepatide is commonly described as a dual-receptor or dual-agonist medication. — Emma Clapp, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Because lobular tumors are usually hormone receptor-positive, endocrine therapy like tamoxifen is central to lowering recurrence risk, and lobular carcinoma can recur at distant sites many years after initial treatment. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for receptor

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of receptor was in 1898

Phrases Containing receptor

Rhymes for receptor

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Browse Nearby Words

receptivity
receptor
recepts
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Cite this Entry

“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

receptor

noun
re·​cep·​tor ri-ˈsep-tər How to pronounce receptor (audio)
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 How to pronounce receptor (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on receptor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about receptor

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