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receptor

[ ri-sep-ter ]

noun

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. the panlike base of a stall shower.


receptor

/ ɪˈɛə /

noun

  1. physiol a sensory nerve ending that changes specific stimuli into nerve impulses
  2. any of various devices that receive information, signals, etc
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

receptor

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of receptor1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

THC targets the same receptors but typically at a far higher dose than what is naturally produced, said Dr. Hilary Marusak, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Wayne State University.

From

“When THC binds to our CB1 receptors, your hypothalamus gets activated, dopamine gets released and your olfactory sensitivity is heightened, “ Verderame explained.

From

The drug is suitable for those with certain gene mutations that affect up to half of people with hormone receptor positive secondary breast cancer - the most common type, which grows in the presence of oestrogen.

From

Such foods contain a chemical compound called capsaicin that binds to pain receptors in our body once consumed.

From

They attached themselves to certain receptors in the party, hijacked those and began replicating themselves.

From

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