receptacle

American  

[ri-sep-tuh-kuhl] / rɪˈsɛp tə kəl /

noun

1. a container, device, etc., that receives or holds something.

   a receptacle for trash.

2. Botany. the modified or expanded portion of the stem or axis that bears the organs of a single flower or the florets of a flower head.

3. Electricity. a contact device installed at an outlet for the connection of a portable lamp, appliance, or other electric device by means of a plug and flexible cord.

---

receptacle British  

/ rɪˈsɛptəkəl /

noun

1. an object that holds something; container

2. botany

   1. the enlarged or modified tip of the flower stalk that bears the parts of the flower

   2. the shortened flattened stem bearing the florets of the capitulum of composite flowers such as the daisy

   3. the part of lower plants that bears the reproductive organs or spores

---

receptacle Scientific  

/ rĭ-sĕp′tə-kəl /

1. The enlarged upper end of a flower stalk that bears the flower or group of flowers. The fleshy edible part of an apple is actually a modified receptacle.

2. See more at flower

---

Etymology

Origin of receptacle

1375–1425; Middle English (< Old French ) < Latin receptāculum reservoir, equivalent to receptā ( re ) to take again, receive back (frequentative of recipere to receive ) + -culum -cle ²

Example Sentences

Plenty of electrical receptacles to plug in to.

From Literature

She ended up buying a navy fleece jacket from Uniqlo that had roomy pockets, which became her main garbage receptacle for the rest of her three-week trip.

From The Wall Street Journal

These items are receptacles of love and apple sauce.

From The Wall Street Journal

Deputies said it was “currently unknown” how the suspects transported all 85 fish — some large — in the small receptacles.

From Los Angeles Times

Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri described her collection as "demonstrating how clothing is a receptacle that affirms cultural, aesthetic and social codes".

From BBC