Receptacle vs. Socket

Receptaclenoun

A container.

Socketnoun

(mechanics) An opening into which a plug or other connecting part is designed to fit (e.g. a light bulb socket).

Receptaclenoun

(botany) The part of the flower stalk (peduncle or pedicel) to which the floral parts are attached; a thalamus, a torus.

Socketnoun

(anatomy) A hollow into a bone which a part fits, such as an eye, or another bone, in the case of a joint.

Receptaclenoun

In the Asteraceae (aster or sunflower family), the end of the peduncle to which all of the florets of the flower head are attached.

Socketnoun

(computing) One endpoint of a two-way communication link, used for interprocess communication across a network.

Receptaclenoun

(phycology) A structure at the end of a branch of an alga containing conceptacles (reproductive organs).

Socketnoun

(computing) One endpoint of a two-way named pipe on Unix and Unix-like systems, used for interprocess communication.

Receptaclenoun

(zoology) An organ that receives and holds a secretion.

Socketnoun

A hollow tool for grasping and lifting tools dropped in a well-boring.

Receptaclenoun

A contact device installed at an outlet for the connection of an attachment plug (typically by receiving the plug's prongs) to supply portable appliances or equipment.

Socketnoun

The hollow of a candlestick.

Receptaclenoun

That which serves, or is used, for receiving and containing something, as for examople, a basket, a vase, a bag, a reservoir; a repository.

‘O sacred receptacle of my joys!’;

Socketnoun

A steel apparatus attached to a saddle to protect the thighs and legs.

Receptaclenoun

The apex of the flower stalk, from which the organs of the flower grow, or into which they are inserted. See Illust. of Flower, and Ovary.

Socketverb

To place or fit in a socket.

Receptaclenoun

a container that is used to put or keep things in

Socketnoun

An opening into which anything is fitted; any hollow thing or place which receives and holds something else; as, the sockets of the teeth.

‘His eyeballs in their hollow sockets sink.’;

Receptaclenoun

enlarged tip of a stem that bears the floral parts

Socketnoun

Especially, the hollow tube or place in which a candle is fixed in the candlestick.

Receptaclenoun

an electrical (or electronic) fitting that is connected to a source of power and equipped to receive an insert

Socketnoun

the receptacle of an electric lamp into which a light bulb is inserted, containing contacts to conduct electricity to the bulb.

Socketnoun

the receptacle fixed in a wall and connected by conductive wiring to an electrical supply, containing contacts to conduct electricity, and into which the plug of an electrical device is inserted; - called also a wall socket or outlet. The socket will typically have two or three contacts; if three, the third is connected to a ground for safety.

‘And in the sockets oily bubbles dance.’;

Socketnoun

a bony hollow into which a structure fits

Socketnoun

receptacle where something (a pipe or probe or end of a bone) is inserted

Socketnoun

a receptacle into which an electric device can be inserted