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Receptor: meaning, definitions and examples

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receptor

 

[ rɪˈsiːptər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cell biology

A receptor is a protein molecule that receives and transmits signals to the interior of a cell. These signals can be chemical, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, and binding to the receptor alters the cell's function. Receptors play critical roles in a variety of physiological processes, including vision, smell, and the immune response. They are vital in pharmacology, as many drugs act by targeting specific receptors in the body.

Synonyms

detector, sensor, transducer

Examples of usage

  • The receptor detected the hormone level changes.
  • Neurotransmitter receptors are essential for communication between nerve cells.
  • The body has many types of receptors for different stimuli.

Translations

Translations of the word "receptor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 receptor

🇮🇳 ग्राही

🇩🇪 Rezeptor

🇮🇩 reseptor

🇺🇦 рецептор

🇵🇱 receptor

🇯🇵 受容体

🇫🇷 récepteur

🇪🇸 receptor

🇹🇷 reseptör

🇰🇷 수용체

🇸🇦 مستقبل

🇨🇿 receptor

🇸🇰 receptor

🇨🇳 受体

🇸🇮 receptor

🇮🇸 viðtaki

🇰🇿 рецептор

🇬🇪 რეცეპტორი

🇦🇿 reseptor

🇲🇽 receptor

Word origin

The word 'receptor' has its origins in the Latin term 'receptor', meaning 'one who receives', derived from 'recipere', which means 'to receive'. The modern scientific use of the term began in the late 19th century when it was adopted in the context of physiology and cell biology. As scientists began to understand the role of proteins in cellular communication, the term evolved to specifically refer to cellular structures that respond to external signals. In the mid-20th century, advances in biochemistry and molecular biology led to a more detailed understanding of receptors, including their structure and function. Today, receptors are a fundamental concept in a variety of scientific fields, including pharmacology, neuroscience, and immunology.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,909, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.