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Webster's New World College Dictionary » receptor
receptor
receptor definition
re·cep·tor (-tər)
noun
- a receiver (in various senses)
- 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.
- 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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