A specialized cell or sensory receptor that detects the presence of chemical substances and sends signals to the nervous system.
From chemo- (chemistry) + receptor (from Latin recipere, 'to receive'). The term was coined in the early 1900s as scientists discovered cells that specifically sense chemicals rather than light, sound, or touch.
Chemoreceptors in your nose and mouth are why you experience taste and smell, but they're also inside your blood vessels monitoring oxygen levels and sending emergency signals when you're suffocating.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.