C1nounformalsciencehealth
US/rɪˈsep.tər/
UK/rɪˈsep.tə/
a part of a cell or body that detects a chemical or signal and reacts to it
In context
Taste receptors on the tongue detect sweet, sour and bitter flavors.
The drug works by blocking a receptor in the brain.
Each cell has receptors that respond to specific hormones.
Words that go with receptor
noun + noun
- taste receptorA single taste receptor responds to one kind of flavor.
- pain receptorPain receptors in the skin send warning signals.
- receptor cellEach receptor cell in the eye detects light.
verb + preposition
- bind to a receptorThe hormone must bind to a receptor on the cell surface.
verb + noun
- activate a receptorNicotine can activate receptors in the brain.
noun + preposition
- receptor forThere is a receptor for insulin on most cells.