ENGLISH
REFERENCE

receiver

n.
US //ɹəˈsivɝ// UK //ɹɪsˈiːvɐ// re·ceiv·er
  1. 1 phone handset (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the part of a telephone that you hold to your ear and speak into.

    the handset of a telephone, containing the earpiece and microphone.

    Example

    He picked up the receiver and waited for the dial tone.

    Example

    She slammed the receiver back onto the cradle in frustration after the line went dead for the third time that morning.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of landline telephones.
  2. 2 electronic device (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Electronics

    a piece of equipment that picks up radio or television signals.

    an electronic device that converts incoming electromagnetic waves into sound or light signals.

    Example

    The radio receiver was old but it could still pick up local stations.

    Example

    The satellite receiver requires a clear line of sight to the southern sky to maintain a stable high-definition signal.
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  1. 3 legal official (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    a person chosen by a court to manage a company that cannot pay its debts.

    a person appointed by a court or a creditor to manage the financial affairs of a bankrupt person or business.

    Example

    The company went into debt, and a receiver was appointed to sell its assets.

    Example

    The court-appointed receiver spent months auditing the firm's accounts to determine how much capital could be returned to the primary creditors.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'to go into receivership'.
  2. 4 sports player (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sport

    a player who is supposed to catch the ball.

    an offensive player whose primary role is to catch forward passes.

    Example

    The quarterback threw a long pass to the wide receiver.

    Example

    The receiver managed to stay in bounds while securing the catch, resulting in a crucial first down for the home team.

  3. 5 criminal context (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Law

    someone who buys or hides stolen goods.

    a person who knowingly accepts or purchases stolen property.

    Example

    The police arrested the receiver who was selling the stolen jewellery.

    Example

    Under local statutes, the receiver of stolen goods can face penalties as severe as those imposed on the original thief.
  4. 6 chemistry container (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a container used to collect liquids during a scientific experiment.

    a vessel designed to collect the products of distillation or other chemical processes.

    Example

    The liquid dripped slowly from the tube into the glass receiver.

    Example

    The chemist carefully detached the receiver from the condenser to prevent any atmospheric contamination of the purified distillate.
Origin

Inherited from Middle English receyvour, from Anglo-Norman receverre, receivour et al., later also reformed as receive + -er. Compare recevor, rescaivour.

Word family

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