n 1  :  a cell or group of cells that receives stimuli  :  SENSE ORGAN  2  :  a chemical group or molecule (as a protein) on the cell surface or in the cell interior that has an affinity for a specific chemical group, molecule, or virus  3  :  a cellular entity (as a beta-receptor or alpha-receptor) that is a postulated intermediary between a chemical agent (as a neurohormone) acting on nervous tissue and the physiological or pharmacological response .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  ras·pa·to·ry 
 
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