noun
Uncommon
receptor
rih-SEHP-tuh
Receptor (noun) means a structure in a cell or on its surface that detects and responds to specific signals or substances. Example: “The drug binds to pain receptors in the brain.”
noun
1
A structure in a cell or on its surface that detects and responds to specific signals or substances.
"The drug binds to pain receptors in the brain."
"Each receptor on the cell surface fits only one type of hormone."
"Scientists studied how a receptor passes a chemical message into the cell."
2
A body structure or cell that responds to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, or touch.
"Receptors in the skin allow us to feel pressure and temperature."
"The receptors in your eyes respond to light and send signals to the brain."
"Taste receptors on the tongue help us tell sweet foods from bitter ones."
How to use receptor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cell part or structure that picks up specific signals, like a lock waiting for the right key.
Common pairings
pain receptor
nerve receptor
bind to a receptor
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like receptor.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- receptors
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The drug binds to pain _____ in the brain.
Etymology
From Old French receptour or Latin receptorius, from recipio ("to receive").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
effector
Related words
Rhymes for receptor
See all rhymes for receptor →Frequently asked questions
What does “receptor” mean?
The word “receptor” means a structure in a cell or on its surface that detects and responds to specific signals or substances. In plain terms, a cell part or structure that picks up specific signals, like a lock waiting for the right key.
How do you pronounce “receptor”?
“Receptor” is pronounced rih-SEHP-tuh (/ɹɪˈsɛp.tə/ in IPA).
How do you use “receptor” in a sentence?
Here is “receptor” used in a sentence: “The drug binds to pain receptors in the brain.”
What part of speech is “receptor”?
“Receptor” is a noun.
Where does the word “receptor” come from?
The word “receptor” comes from Latin. From Old French receptour or Latin receptorius, from recipio ("to receive").
Is “receptor” a common word?
“Receptor” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “receptor” have?
“Receptor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structure in a cell or on its surface that detects and responds to specific signals or substances.
What is the difference between a receptor and a sensor?
In biology, a receptor is a structure in or on a cell that detects specific signals or substances, such as hormones or light, and triggers a response. Sensor is a more general term that can refer to biological receptors or to man-made devices that detect physical changes. All biological receptors are a type of sensor, but not all sensors are receptors.
What is the difference between a receptor and a neuron?
A receptor is a structure that detects a specific stimulus, such as light, sound, or a chemical signal, while a neuron is a nerve cell that transmits electrical signals through the nervous system. Sensory receptors often pass the information they detect on to neurons, which carry the signal to the brain or spinal cord.
What kinds of stimuli do receptors respond to?
Receptors can respond to a wide range of stimuli, including chemical substances like hormones or neurotransmitters, as well as physical sensory inputs like light, sound, and touch. The type of receptor determines what it detects, which is why the eyes, ears, and skin each contain different specialized receptors.
