beta-receptor
noun
be·ta-re·cep·tor ˈbā-tə-ri-ˈsep-tər 
: any of a group of receptors that are present on cell surfaces of some effector organs and tissues innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and that mediate certain physiological responses (such as vasodilation, relaxation of bronchial and uterine smooth muscle, and increased heart rate) when bound by specific adrenergic agents compare alpha-receptor
Word History
First Known Use
1948, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
beta-receptor
noun
be·ta-re·cep·tor
-ri-ˌsep-tər
: any of a group of receptors that are present on cell surfaces of some effector organs and tissues innervated by the sympathetic nervous system and that mediate certain physiological responses (as vasodilation, relaxation of bronchial and uterine smooth muscle, and increased heart rate) when bound by specific adrenergic agents
called also beta-adrenergic receptor, beta-adrenoceptor
compare alpha-receptor