electric receptacle
Noun: A wall-mounted electrical device with one or more sockets designed to accept the plugs of electrical cords, thereby providing a point in a wiring system where electrical current can be accessed to power devices.
This term refers specifically to the fixed wall outlet or socket. It is a standard component of a building's electrical infrastructure. - Always used as a noun. - Typically requires an article ("an electric receptacle," "the electric receptacle"). - Often used in technical, construction, or instructional contexts.
- Basic Usage:
- Before installing the new lamp, ensure the electric receptacle is turned off at the circuit breaker.
- The code requires an electric receptacle every twelve feet along the kitchen counter.
- In Context:
- The electrician tested the voltage at each electric receptacle in the room.
- This power strip should be plugged directly into a wall electric receptacle, not into another extension cord.
- Technical Specification: The term can be modified to specify type, such as a "grounded electric receptacle" (with three holes) or a "GFCI electric receptacle" (with built-in safety shutoff).
- For safety near the sink, a GFCI electric receptacle is required by law.
- Outlet: A very common synonym in everyday American English.
- Socket: A common synonym, especially in British English.
- Wall Socket: A clear descriptive term.
- Power Point: A common term in some English-speaking regions like Australia and South Africa.
- Receptacle: The broader category; an "electric receptacle" is a type of receptacle designed for electricity.
- Electrical Outlet
- Wall Outlet
- Plug Socket
The core meaning is constant: a fixed device for connecting appliances to a building's electrical supply. It does not refer to the plug on the cord, the appliance itself, or a portable power strip (though a power strip plugs into an electric receptacle).
- receptacle providing a place in a wiring system where current can be taken to run electrical devices