Definition

1. Noun:
   • A wall-mounted device providing access to electrical power: An electric outlet is a receptacle installed in a wall or other surface, designed to allow electrical devices to be connected to a building's wiring system to receive power.
   • A point in an electrical circuit: It is a specific access point in a wiring system where electrical current can be safely drawn to operate appliances, tools, or other devices.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Please plug the lamp into the electric outlet near the desk.
  • The kitchen has several electric outlets for small appliances.
  • We need to install a new electric outlet in the garage for the power tools.

Advanced Usage

• "to be out of reach of an electric outlet": To be positioned too far away from a power source.
  • The sofa is placed out of reach of an electric outlet, so we need an extension cord for the floor lamp.

Variants and Related Words

• Outlet (n): A common shortened form of "electric outlet."
  • The outlet in the bathroom is specially designed for safety.
• Socket (n): Often used synonymously with "outlet," particularly in British English.
  • This plug doesn't fit the socket.
• Receptacle (n): A more technical term for a device that receives a plug.
  • The electrical code specifies the required spacing for receptacles in a new building.
• Wall socket (n): A clear descriptor specifying the outlet's typical location.
  • All the wall sockets in the old house are two-pronged.

Synonyms

• Power point: A common term, especially in Australian and British English.
• Plug socket: Another term emphasizing the point where a plug is inserted.

Related Phrases

• Three-prong outlet: An outlet designed to accept a plug with three pins, including a ground connection for safety.
  • Modern appliances often require a three-prong outlet.
• GFCI outlet (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter): A special type of safety outlet used in areas like bathrooms and kitchens to prevent electric shock.
  • The building code requires a GFCI outlet near the kitchen sink.

Noun

1. receptacle providing a place in a wiring system where current can be taken to run electrical devices