receptacle

[ri-sep-tuh-kuhl]

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of receptacle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of receptacle¹

C15: from Latin receptāculum a store-place, from receptāre to receive again, from recipere to _receive

Example Sentences

The child’s body appeared to have been left near trash receptacle bins, according to video footage captured on Citizen.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

The Conservatives are still tarnished in many voters' eyes by their governing record, meaning that the receptacle for voters' immediate frustration with Labour, in Runcorn and elsewhere, is Reform UK.

From BBC

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

From BBC

L.A.’s devastating fires are only the latest episode in which the ocean has served as an unappreciated receptacle for trash and hazards originating on land.

From Los Angeles Times