receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
| \ ri-ˈsep-tər
\
\
Definition of receptor
: 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
This allows mutated cancer-promoting genes called oncogenes to activate cell surface receptors, molecular portals to the cell’s interior. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Biotech notebook: Cancer discovery, bacterial syringes and organoids," 13 July 2019 Huang, who specializes in treating pain in cancer patients, said psychedelics like magic mushrooms work on the same brain receptors as prescription anti-depressants. — Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, "Magic mushrooms for better health? Psychedelic drugs are having a moment across US," 24 Aug. 2019 That’s because mangoes contain myrcene, a terpene also found in cannabis that expands the maximum saturation levels in your endocannabinoid receptors. — The Fresh Toast, chicagotribune.com, "How black pepper sedates marijuana paranoia, according to Neil Young and science," 28 July 2019 And gradually, the anti-interleukin-6 antibodies blocked their receptors and calmed Emily’s cytokine storm. — Charles Graeber, WIRED, "How Scientists Built a ‘Living Drug’ to Beat Cancer," 25 July 2019 Other scientists had already tried and failed to find the molecule that binds to capsaicin, known as its receptor, but that only enticed Julius to take on the challenge. — Quanta Magazine, "Scientists Reveal Structure of Pain Sensor," 20 Feb. 2014 Early clinical studies have proved CBD to be a promising treatment for conditions including social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly because of its effects on the serotonin receptors that regulate mood and social behavior. — Sponsored Content With Pure Farmaceuticals, Houston Chronicle, "6 Natural Ways to Treat Anxiety," 29 July 2019 Instead, CBD companies and some health professionals say the cannabis extract — which can be derived from both hemp and marijuana — acts on brain receptors in a way that can relieve a wide range of mental and physical ailments. — Boston.com Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Paul Pierce is launching his own CBD line called ‘The Truth’," 11 June 2019 Capsazepine was among the compounds that could block that receptor, thus reducing patients’ pain. — Lauren Caruba, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio researchers check synthetic version of capsaicin — the heat in chili peppers — for cancer-killing effects," 9 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'receptor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for receptor
receptor
noun
English Language Learners Definition of receptor
biology
: a nerve ending that senses changes in light, temperature, pressure, etc., and causes the body to react in a particular way
See the full definition for receptor in the English Language Learners Dictionary
receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
| \ ri-ˈsep-tər
\
\
Kids Definition of receptor
: 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)
receptor
noun
re·cep·tor
| \ ri-ˈsep-tər
\
\
Medical Definition of receptor
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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