n. 1. a. The act or process of receiving or of being received. b. Football The act or an instance of catching a forward pass. 2. A welcome, greeting, or acceptance: a friendly reception. 3. A social function, especially one intended to provide a welcome or greeting: a wedding reception. 4. Mental approval or acceptance: the reception of a new theory. 5. a. Conversion of transmitted electromagnetic signals into perceptible forms, such as sound or light, by means of antennas and electronic equipment. b. The condition or quality of the signals so received. [Middle English recepcion, from Old French reception, from Latin receptiō, receptiōn-, from receptus, past participle of recipere, to receive; see RECEIVE.] |
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