Receptor

//ɹɪˈsɛp.tə// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A protein on a cell wall that binds with specific molecules so that they can be absorbed into the cell in order to control certain functions.

    "In the target organ, the drug is recognised by ‘receptors’. These are large molecules, usually proteins, to which the drug binds tightly and with a high degree of specificity."

  2. 2
    an organ having nerve endings (in the skin or viscera or eye or ear or nose or mouth) that respond to stimulation wordnet
  3. 3
    Any specialized cell or structure that responds to sensory stimuli.
  4. 4
    a cellular structure that is postulated to exist in order to mediate between a chemical agent that acts on nervous tissue and the physiological response wordnet
  5. 5
    One who receives something or someone; in particular, one who harbors a fugitive. obsolete

    "[…] fewe that were there did spend the same daie abowte the searchinge out of sundrye that were receptors of ffelons, where we fownd a greate manye aswell in London, Westminster, Sowthwarke, as in all other places abowte the same."

Etymology

From Middle English receptour, from Old French receptour or Latin receptōrius, from recipiō (“receive”), from re- (“back”) + capiō (“I hold”).

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