Synonyms for

Receptor

Verb / ri:ˈseptɜ: / Another word for receptor — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A cell or group of cells that receive stimuli and respond to it.

Synonyms & similar words

senseorgan effector sensoryreceptor sensor detector receiver transducer chemoreceptor mechanoreceptor photoreceptor thermoreceptor osmoreceptor nociceptor baroreceptor proprioceptor

Synonyms by register

Formal

receiver detector sensor transducer

Informal

feeler pickup

Antonyms

giver producer source emitter transmitter originator

Common collocations

  • nerve receptor
  • pain receptor
  • olfactory receptor
  • visual receptor
  • hormone receptor
  • drug receptor
  • cell receptor

Word family

noun receptor
verb recept
adjective receptive
adverb receptively

Usage note

Primarily used in biological and scientific contexts to denote a molecule or cell that responds to a stimulus. Avoid using it for general reception of information unless in a highly technical context.

Example sentences

  1. The receptor on the tongue helps detect different tastes.
  2. The skin has receptors that can sense pressure and temperature.
  3. The pain receptor in the body sends a message to the brain when there is an injury.
  4. The receptor in the eye allows us to see colors and shapes.
  5. The antenna on the radio is a receptor that picks up signals from the airwaves.

Quotes

  • The eye is a complex and delicate receptor of light.
  • The receptor cells for our sense of smell are located high up in the nasal cavity.
  • A receptor is like a keyhole that can only be unlocked by the right key.

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