Definition

A type of sense organ that detects and reacts to external stimuli from the environment, such as sound, light, or touch.

Example

The exteroceptor in the ear allows us to hear sounds from our surroundings.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how our exteroceptors help us interact with the world?

Totally! It's amazing how they respond to things like sound and light.

Yeah, without those exteroceptors, we wouldn't even realize what's happening around us.

Exactly! It's like having a built-in alert system for our senses.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Exteroceptor → It is formed from "extero-" (from Latin "exterus", meaning external or outside) and "ceptor" (from Latin "capere", meaning to seize or take). The word refers to a receptor that receives stimuli from outside the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'external' ('extero-') signals being 'taken' ('ceptor') in by the body — that's what an exteroceptor does.

Visually Confused Words