photoreceptor

[ foh-toh-ri-sep-ter ]
/ ˌfoʊ toʊ rɪˈsɛp tər /

noun Physiology, Biology.

a receptor stimulated by light.

Origin of photoreceptor

First recorded in 1905–10; photo- + receptor

Words nearby photoreceptor

photoradiation therapy, photoreaction, photoreactivation, photorealism, photoreception, photoreceptor, photoreceptor cell, photorecon, photoreconnaissance, photorecorder, photorecording

British Dictionary definitions for photoreceptor

photoreceptor
/ (ˌfəʊtəʊrɪˈsɛptə) /

noun

zoology physiol a light-sensitive cell or organ that conveys impulses through the sensory neuron connected to it

Medical definitions for photoreceptor

photoreceptor
[ fō′tō-rĭ-sĕp′tər ]

n.

A nerve ending, cell, or group of cells specialized to sense or receive light.

Scientific definitions for photoreceptor

photoreceptor
[ fō′tō-rĭ-sĕp′tər ]

A specialized structure or cell that is sensitive to light. In vertebrate animals, the photoreceptors are the rods and cones of the eye's retina. See Note at circadian rhythm.
An electronic device that converts light energy into electrical signals. Photoreceptors are used in photocopy and facsimile machines, cameras, and solar cells.