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receptor definition

re·cep·tor (-tər)

noun

  1. a receiver (in various senses)
  2. Biochem. any of a group of substances, mainly proteins, found esp. on the surface of a cell, that combine with specific molecules, hormones, antibodies, drugs, viruses, etc.
  3. Physiol. a nerve ending or group of nerve endings specialized for the reception of stimuli; sense organ

Etymology: ME receptour < OFr < L receptor < receptus: see receipt

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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