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.
While the development and proliferation of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of drugs has dominated headlines for several years, SANA is nothing like Ozempic. New Atlas, 23 July 2025 Over the past few years, GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs have become part of many people’s treatment regimens. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 14 July 2025 This is a process usually associated with fine-tuning immune cell receptors to better recognize pathogens. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 The rise of anti-obesity medications, such as GLP-1 receptor has raised concerns about their impact on alcohol consumption. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Receptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/receptor. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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

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