A sensory nerve ending or cell that responds to chemical stimuli, allowing organisms to detect and react to specific chemicals in their environment.
From 'chemo-' (chemical) + 'receptor' (receiver). Combines Greek and Latin roots to describe biological sensors that detect chemical signals.
Your taste buds and smell receptors are chemoceptors—they're the reason you detect poison, spoiled food, or your friend's terrible cologne, making chemistry one of your most important survival senses.
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