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receptor

n.

1. the cell in a sensory system that is responsible for stimulus transduction. Receptor cells are specialized to detect and respond to specific stimuli in the external or internal environment. Examples include the retinal rods and retinal cones in the eye and the hair cells in the cochlea of the ear. Also called receptor cell.

2. a sense organ, such as the eye or the ear. See also neuroreceptor.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

majority influence

majority influence

social pressure exerted by the greater part of a group on individual members and smaller factions within the group. The majority tends to push for conformity and stability, and members usually respond to this either by accepting the majority’s position as their own (conversion) or by conforming publicly but retaining their own position privately (compliance). Compare minority influence.