Definition of "receptor" in English

noun

1. (biochemistry, medicine) 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.

2. (biology) Any specialized cell or structure that responds to sensory stimuli.

3. (obsolete) One who receives something or someone; in particular, one who harbors a fugitive.

   • […] fewe that were there did spend the same daie abowte the searchinge out of sundrye that were receptors of ffelons, where we fownd a greate manye aswell in London, Westminster, Sowthwarke, as in all other places abowte the same.