receptor

[ ri-sep-ter ]
/ rɪˈsɛp tər /

noun

Physiology. an end organ or a group of end organs of sensory or afferent neurons, specialized to be sensitive to stimulating agents, as touch or heat.
Cell Biology. any of various specific protein molecules in surface membranes of cells and organelles to which complementary molecules, as hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, or antibodies, may become bound.
the panlike base of a stall shower.

Origin of receptor

1400–50; late Middle English receptour < Old French < Latin receptor. See reception, -tor

Words nearby receptor

reception room, receptionism, receptionist, receptive, receptive aphasia, receptor, receptor protein, recess, recession, recessional, recessional moraine

Example sentences from the Web for receptor

British Dictionary definitions for receptor

receptor
/ (rɪˈsɛptə) /

noun

physiol a sensory nerve ending that changes specific stimuli into nerve impulses
any of various devices that receive information, signals, etc

Medical definitions for receptor

receptor
[ rĭ-sĕp′tər ]

n.

A specialized cell or group of nerve endings that responds to sensory stimuli.
A molecular structure or site on the surface or interior of a cell that binds with substances such as hormones, antigens, drugs, or neurotransmitters.

Scientific definitions for receptor

receptor
[ rĭ-sĕp′tər ]

A nerve ending or other structure in the body, such as a photoreceptor, specialized to sense or receive stimuli. Skin receptors respond to stimuli such as touch and pressure and signal the brain by activating portions of the nervous system. Receptors in the nose detect the presence of certain chemicals, leading to the perception of odor.
A structure or site, found on the surface of a cell or within a cell, that can bind to a hormone, antigen, or other chemical substance and thereby begin a change in the cell. For example, when a mast cell within the body encounters an allergen, specialized receptors on the mast cell bind to the allergen, resulting in the release of histamine by the mast cell. The histamine then binds to histamine receptors in other cells of the body, which initiate the response known as inflammation as well as other responses. In this way, the symptoms of an allergic reaction are produced. Antihistamine drugs work by preventing the binding of histamine to histamine receptors.