re·cep·tor (r?-s?p?t?r)n.1. Physiology A specialized cell or group of nerve endings that responds to sensory stimuli.2. Biochemistry A molecular structure or site on the surface or interior of a cell that binds with substances such as hormones, antigens, or neurotransmitters or is activated by events such as a change in the concentration of an ion.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.receptor (r??s?pt?) n1. (Physiology) physiol a sensory nerve ending that changes specific stimuli into nerve impulses2. any of various devices that receive information, signals, etcCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014re?cep?tor (r??s?p t?r) n. 1. a protein molecule, usu. on the surface of a cell, that is capable of binding to a complementary molecule, as a hormone, antibody, or antigen. 2. a sensory nerve ending or sense organ that is sensitive to stimuli. [1900?05] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.re·cep·tor (r?-s?p?t?r)1. A nerve ending specialized to sense or receive stimuli. Skin receptors respond to stimuli such as touch and pressure and signal the brain by activating portions of the nervous system. Receptors in the nose detect odors.2. A cell structure or site that is capable of combining with a hormone, antigen, or other chemical substance.The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary, Second Edition. Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.