a cellular structure that is postulated to exist in order to mediate between a chemical agent that acts on nervous tissue and the physiological response
"The scientist hypothesized that a specific receptor exists to mediate between the neurotransmitter released by nerve endings and the subsequent muscle contraction."
an organ having nerve endings (in the skin or viscera or eye or ear or nose or mouth) that respond to stimulation
"The touch receptors in my fingertips sent signals to my brain as soon as I brushed against the rough surface."
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.
"The insulin receptor acts as a protein on the cell wall that binds with circulating insulin, allowing it to enter and regulate blood sugar levels."
In plain English: A receptor is a part of your body that receives signals from outside to tell you what's happening around you.
"The drug works by blocking specific receptors on nerve cells to stop pain signals from reaching the brain."
Usage: Use receptor when referring specifically to proteins on cell walls that bind external molecules to trigger cellular responses, rather than general sensory organs or abstract receiving points. This term is often confused with "receptor" used for human senses like pain or touch; ensure you specify the biological context if discussing molecular binding versus physiological sensation.
The word receptor comes from the Latin receptōrius, which is derived from recipiō meaning "to receive." It entered English via Old French and Middle English, originally describing something that receives or takes in stimuli.