receptor

Everyday

1. A part of the body, such as a nerve ending or a cell in the eye, nose or skin, that picks up a signal like light, smell, heat or touch and sends a message to the brain. tree →
2. A tiny place on a cell where a particular chemical (like a hormone or a medicine) fits, like a key in a lock. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about the senses, receptors explain how we feel: taste receptors on the tongue, light receptors in the eye, pain receptors in the skin. In more advanced science, medicines work by fitting into receptors. It tells the reader how the body notices the world. Phrases: taste receptors, pain receptors, smell receptors.

Examples

• Your tongue has thousands of taste receptors. tree →
• Receptors in your skin feel heat and cold. tree →
• Light receptors in your eyes are called rods and cones. tree →
• Dogs have many more smell receptors than people. tree →
• The medicine fits into receptors like a key in a lock. tree →
• Pain receptors warn you when you touch something hot. tree →

Note

Countable: a receptor, receptors. Related to "receive": a receptor receives signals. Do not confuse with "receptionist" (a person at a front desk) or "receiver".