late 14c., in astrology, "effect of two planets on each other;" sense of "act of receiving" is recorded from late 15c., from Latin receptionem (nominative receptio) "a receiving," noun of action from past participle stem of recipere (see receive). Sense of "ceremonial gathering" is 1882, from French.
she did not expect the cold reception she received from her superiors
the tight end made a great reception on the 20 yard line
receiver
receivership
recension
recent
receptacle
reception
receptionist
receptive
receptor
recess
recession