chemoreception: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Advanced - Highly technical/specialistTechnical/Scientific (Biology, Neuroscience, Zoology)
Quick answer
What does “chemoreception” mean?
The physiological process by which an organism detects and responds to chemical stimuli in its environment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The physiological process by which an organism detects and responds to chemical stimuli in its environment.
A specialized sensory function found in animals, insects, and some plants, involving receptor cells that bind specific molecules to initiate a neural signal, forming the basis for the senses of taste and smell. It is a fundamental biological mechanism for finding food, mates, and avoiding danger.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically in technical contexts. Spelling follows standard '-reception' form in both.
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific meaning.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, used exclusively in specialised scientific literature and education in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “chemoreception” in a Sentence
The N of NP (the chemoreception of pheromones)N in NP (chemoreception in ants)N is essential for NP (Chemoreception is essential for foraging.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chemoreception” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chemoreceptive cells are located on the antennae.
- They studied the shark's chemoreceptive abilities.
American English
- The chemoreceptive neurons fired in response to the odor.
- Chemoreceptive sensitivity varies among species.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in biology, neuroscience, and zoology papers. Example: 'The study focused on the neural pathways involved in crustacean chemoreception.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'sense of smell/taste'.
Technical
Precise term for the sensory modality in scientific descriptions, experimental protocols, and taxonomic studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chemoreception”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chemoreception”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chemoreception”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a chemoreception'). It is uncountable.
- Confusing it with 'chemoreceptor'. A chemoreceptor is the cell; chemoreception is the process.
- Mispronouncing it with a hard 'ch' /tʃ/ as in 'cheese'. The correct start is /k/ as in 'chemistry'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, essentially. Smell (olfaction) and taste (gustation) are the two primary forms of chemoreception in vertebrates. The term is broader and also applies to similar chemical detection in invertebrates, bacteria, and plants.
A chemoreceptor is the specific sensory cell or protein that binds to a chemical. Chemoreception is the overall biological process or sensory system that uses chemoreceptors to detect chemicals.
Nearly all animals have some form of chemoreception. It is one of the most ancient and widespread sensory systems, critical for survival. Even simple organisms like bacteria use chemotaxis (movement in response to chemicals), a related process.
It would sound very technical and out of place. In everyday contexts, you should use 'sense of smell', 'sense of taste', or simply 'smell' and 'taste'.
The physiological process by which an organism detects and responds to chemical stimuli in its environment.
Chemoreception is usually technical/scientific (biology, neuroscience, zoology) in register.
Chemoreception: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkiːməʊrɪˈsɛpʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkimoʊrɪˈsɛpʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHEMical RECEPTION' - Your body *receives* chemical signals. Combine the two parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LOCK AND KEY SYSTEM (specific molecules fit into specific receptor sites). A SECURITY ALARM (detection of specific chemicals triggers a warning/response signal).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of study for the term 'chemoreception'?