alpha receptor: Meaning and Definition of

al'pha recep"tor

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. a site on a cell that, upon interaction with epinephrine or norepinephrine, controls vasoconstriction, intestinal relaxation, pupil dilation, and other physiological processes. Also calledCf. beta receptor.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.