# receptor

> English word · Noun · IPA /ɹɪˈsɛp.tə/ · frequency rank #9,806

## Definitions
1. 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. Any specialized cell or structure that responds to sensory stimuli.
3. One who receives something or someone; in particular, one who harbors a fugitive.

## Etymology
From Middle English receptour, from Old French receptour or Latin receptōrius, from recipiō (“receive”), from re- (“back”) + capiō (“I hold”).

## Easily confused with
- **rector** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/receptor-vs-rector)
- **reception** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/reception-vs-receptor)

## Common misspellings (12)
`erceptor`, `rceeptor`, `recceptor`, `recepotr`, `recepptor`, `receptorr`, `receptro`, `recepttor`, `recetpor`, `recpetor`, `reecptor`, `rreceptor`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/receptor