Definition

1. Noun:
   • A container that holds or stores items: A physical object designed to contain, hold, or receive things.
   • The enlarged tip of a plant stem that bears the flower parts: In botany, the part of a flower stalk where the floral organs (sepals, petals, stamens, pistils) are attached.
   • An electrical fitting designed to receive a plug or bulb: A device connected to a power source, equipped with contacts to receive an inserted plug, light bulb, or other component.

Examples

• General Container:
  • Please place all recyclable bottles in the blue receptacle.
  • The kitchen has a built-in receptacle for organic waste.
• Botanical Structure:
  • The receptacle of a strawberry is the fleshy part we eat, while the seeds are the true fruits.
  • In a sunflower, the seeds are packed densely on the large, flat receptacle.
• Electrical Fitting:
  • Ensure the appliance is unplugged from the wall receptacle before cleaning.
  • The lamp's receptacle was designed for a specific type of bulb.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Formal Context: Can refer abstractly to something that receives or holds.
  • The university serves as a receptacle for new ideas and innovation.
• Technical/Scientific: Used precisely to describe specific containing structures.
  • The fuel receptacle on the aircraft must be inspected regularly.

Variants and Related Words

• Receptivity (n): The quality of being receptive; willingness to receive new ideas or impressions.
• Receptive (adj): Willing to consider or accept new suggestions and ideas.
• Reception (n): The action or process of receiving something sent, given, or transmitted.

Synonyms

• Container: A general term for an object used for holding something.
• Vessel: Often used for containers holding liquids or in biological contexts.
• Holder: Something that holds or contains another object.
• Socket: Specifically for an electrical receptacle.

Related Phrases

• Waste receptacle: A formal term for a trash can or garbage bin.
  • Deposit your litter in the designated waste receptacle.
• Power receptacle: A specific term for an electrical outlet.
  • The room is equipped with several grounded power receptacles.

Noun

1. an electrical (or electronic) fitting that is connected to a source of power and equipped to receive an insert
2. enlarged tip of a stem that bears the floral parts
3. a container that is used to put or keep things in