receptor

noun re·cep·tor \ri-ˈsep-tər\

biology : a nerve ending that senses changes in light, temperature, pressure, etc., and causes the body to react in a particular way

Full Definition of RECEPTOR

: receiver: as

a : a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ

b : 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

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First Known Use of RECEPTOR

1898

RECEPTOR Defined for Kids

receptor

noun re·cep·tor \ri-ˈsep-tər\

Definition of RECEPTOR for Kids

: a cell that receives a stimulus (as light or heat) and activates an associated nerve to send a message to the brain and that may be grouped into a sense organ (as a taste bud)

Medical Dictionary

receptor

noun re·cep·tor \ri-ˈsep-tər\

Medical Definition of RECEPTOR

: a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli : sense organ

: 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

: 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