What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
receptor
Example
The insulin receptor on the cell surface binds to insulin and triggers a cascade of intracellular events. [receptor: noun]
Example
The photoreceptor cells in the retina are responsible for detecting light and transmitting visual information to the brain. [receptor: noun]
Example
The radio receiver picks up signals from the antenna and converts them into sound waves. [receiver: synonym for receptor]
sensor
Example
The temperature sensor in the thermostat detects the room temperature and adjusts the heating or cooling accordingly. [sensor: noun]
Example
The olfactory sensors in the nose detect different odors and transmit signals to the brain for interpretation. [sensors: plural noun]
Example
The traffic sensor system monitors the flow of vehicles and adjusts the traffic lights to optimize traffic flow. [sensor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sensor is more commonly used than receptor in everyday language, especially in the context of technology and automation. Receptor is more specialized and is mainly used in medicine and biology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between receptor and sensor?
Receptor is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while sensor is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
