receptor
receptor — noun
1. a nerve ending or sensory cell found inside the body. It detects physical change
a nerve ending or sensory cell found inside the body. It detects physical changes — such as temperature, pressure, or pain — and turns them into nerve signals that travel to the brain or spinal cord.
Pain receptors in Camille's skin warned her brain when she touched the hot pan.
collocation: pain receptors
The olfactory receptors inside Sumin's nose let him smell bread from the bakery.
collocation: olfactory receptors + in [body part]
As people get older, the light receptors in their eyes gradually become less sensitive.
Touch receptors in Bilal's fingertips helped him feel the fine texture of the silk scarf.
- sense organ
Broader — refers to a complete structure (e.g., eye, ear) that contains many receptors.
- nerve ending
Narrower focus on the physical end of a nerve fiber where detection occurs.
- sensory cell
Emphasizes the cellular nature rather than the nerve structure.
文法句型
receptor + in [body part]
receptor + for [stimulus type]
用法筆記
Frequently paired with a sense-related adjective that names the type of stimulus (pain, touch, temperature, light, olfactory). The preposition in usually follows, specifying the body part where the receptor is located.
常見錯誤
2. any of several protein molecules located at the surface or inside a cell. They l
any of several protein molecules located at the surface or inside a cell. They link up with a specific chemical — such as a hormone, a neurotransmitter, or an antigen — and trigger a particular response from the cell.
Insulin receptors on fat cells help the body absorb blood sugar after a meal.
collocation: insulin receptors
Certain cancer treatments work by blocking the receptors that signal tumors to grow.
receptor + verb: block / signal
Hoa's doctor said the drug binds to dopamine receptors in the brain to relieve symptoms.
The new study shows that these immune receptors can recognize and attack virus-infected cells.
- binding site
More general — can refer to any part of a molecule where a chemical attaches.
- cell-surface protein
Descriptive but narrower — specifically names the location on the cell membrane.
文法句型
[substance] receptor
receptor + for [substance]
receptor + on [cell type]
用法筆記
Typically appears with a specific substance name before it (e.g., insulin receptor, dopamine receptor, estrogen receptor). Common in medical and biochemistry writing. The verb pair bind to or attach to is used to describe how a substance connects with a receptor.