receptor
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
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use receptor in a sentence
The study illustrates how THC works by targeting so-called “CB2” receptors in the brain.
Weed Could Block H.I.V.’s Spread. No, Seriously. | Abby Haglage | February 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd when they land, they taste us through receptors on their legs.
Mosquitoes Love Some People More and Science Wants to Know Why | Josh Dzieza | August 6, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTJWH-018 appears to excite the same CB1 and CB2 receptors that THC does.
There are benzodiazapine receptors in the brain, but those are the kinds that are sought out for sedation, not sexual excitement.
But Ambien, which is classified as a hypnotic drug, works on the same receptors as benzodiazapines.
But to get going again, the receptors receive the beam and from them the power is sent to the accumulators, where it is stored.
Spacehounds of IPC | Edward Elmer SmithBecause the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries.
What Works: Schools Without Drugs | United States Department of EducationHence amboceptors are spoken of as receptors of the third order.
The Fundamentals of Bacteriology | Charles Bradfield MorreyThis whole gale of thought was blowing over Garlock's receptors like a Great Plains wind over miles-wide fields of corn.
The Galaxy Primes | Edward Elmer SmithHe rotated from side to side, his receptors sweeping the whole field of view before him.
The Small World of M-75 | Ed M. Clinton, Jr.
British Dictionary definitions for receptor
/ (rɪˈsɛptə) /
physiol a sensory nerve ending that changes specific stimuli into nerve impulses
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
Scientific definitions for 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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