socket
/'sɔkit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A natural or artificial hollow part or opening into which something fits or is inserted: This is the most general meaning, referring to any cavity designed to receive something.
- A device on a wall or piece of equipment into which an electrical plug or light bulb is inserted to make a connection: Specifically, a receptacle for an electrical connection.
- A hollow in a bone, especially one into which another bone fits to form a joint: An anatomical term for a bony cavity.
Examples of Usage
Noun (General hollow):
- The ball-and-socket joint of the hip allows for a wide range of motion.
- He placed the gemstone carefully into its socket on the crown.
Noun (Electrical):
- Please plug the lamp into the wall socket.
- The light bulb needs to be screwed into the socket.
Noun (Anatomical):
- The eye sits securely in the bony socket of the skull.
- A tooth fits into a socket in the jawbone.
Advanced Usage
"To be out of its socket": Dislocated or removed from its proper place, often used for bones.
- He fell and his shoulder was out of its socket.
Socket as a verb (less common, technical): To provide with or place into a socket.
- The technician will socket the new microprocessor onto the motherboard.
Variants and Related Words
- Socket wrench (n): A type of wrench with a hollow end (a socket) that fits over a nut or bolt head.
- Eye socket (n): The bony cavity in the skull that houses the eye; the orbit.
- Wall socket / power socket / outlet (n): A point on a wall where electrical equipment can be connected to the power supply.
Synonyms
- Receptacle: A container or device for holding something.
- Cavity: A hollow space.
- Outlet: A point for electrical connection (specifically for power sockets).
Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases
(Note: "Socket" is not commonly used in phrasal verbs. Its usage is primarily as a noun.)
Related Idioms
- "A kick in the teeth/socket": A severe setback or disappointment. (A variation of the common idiom "a kick in the teeth").
- Losing the contract was a real kick in the socket for the team.
Noun
- a receptacle into which an electric device can be inserted
- receptacle where something (a pipe or probe or end of a bone) is inserted
- a bony hollow into which a structure fits