# receptor

/ɹiˈsɛptɝ/ (US) · /ɹɪsˈɛptɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/receptor
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cell biology

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

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

### 3. one who receives

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

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

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

- In the old story, the receptor of the stolen goods was also punished by the king.
- The statute from the seventeenth century clearly defined the punishment for any receptor of a known rebel.

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

## Examples

- The drug works by blocking a specific receptor in the brain.
- When the hormone attaches to its target receptor, it triggers a series of chemical changes inside the cell.
- Genetic mutations can alter the shape of a receptor, preventing it from binding correctly with its intended ligand and leading to various metabolic disorders.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.