thermoreceptor
/ˌθɜrmoʊrɪˈsɛptər/
noun
- A nerve ending in the body that senses changes in temperature.
- The skin's thermoreceptors allow you to feel the difference between cold water and warm water.
- When you touch a hot stove, your thermoreceptors send a warning signal to your brain.
- Snakes have special thermoreceptors on their faces that help them detect warm-blooded prey.