ENGLISH
REFERENCE

receptor

n.
US //ɹiˈsɛptɝ// UK //ɹɪsˈɛptɐ// re·cep·tor
  1. 1 cell biology (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a protein on the surface of a cell that catches specific chemicals to tell the cell what to do.

    a protein molecule, usually on a cell membrane, that binds to a specific ligand to initiate a cellular response.

    Example

    The virus enters the body by attaching itself to a specific receptor on the surface of lung cells.

    Example

    Pharmacologists design drugs that specifically target the dopamine receptor to treat neurological conditions without affecting other systems.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'for' to indicate the specific molecule it binds to.
    • binding site
  2. 2 one who receives (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Law

    a person who receives something or hides someone who is running away.

    a person who receives or harbors another, particularly a fugitive or criminal.

    Example

    In the old story, the receptor of the stolen goods was also punished by the king.

    Example

    The statute from the seventeenth century clearly defined the punishment for any receptor of a known rebel.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is extremely rare in modern English; students will likely only encounter it in historical legal texts or very old literature.
Origin

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026