[ri-sep-ter] 
| 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. |
| re·cep·tor (rĭ-sěp'tər) n.
|
receptor re·cep·tor (rĭ-sěp'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.
tər