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Added 9 October 2026

receptor

/ɹɪˈsɛp.tə/ noun

Latin root: receptōrius Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about receptor at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A protein on a cell wall that binds with specific molecules so that they can be absorbed into the cell in order to control certain functions.
Any specialized cell or structure that responds to sensory stimuli.
One who receives something or someone; in particular, one who harbors a fugitive.

Origin

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

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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