socket

American  

[sok-it] / ˈsɒk ɪt /

noun

1. a hollow part or piece for receiving and holding some part or thing.

2. Electricity.

   1. a device intended to hold an electric light bulb mechanically and connect it electrically to circuit wires.

   2. Also called wall socket.  a socket placed in a wall to receive a plug that makes an electrical connection with supply wiring.

3. Anatomy.

   1. a hollow in one part that receives another part.

      the socket of the eye.

   2. the concavity of a joint.

      the socket of the hip.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place in or fit with a socket.

socket British  

/ ˈsɒkɪt /

noun

1. a device into which an electric plug can be inserted in order to make a connection in a circuit

2. US and Canadian name: outlet.  Informal Brit names: point.   plug.  such a device mounted on a wall and connected to the electricity supply

3. a part with an opening or hollow into which some other part, such as a pipe, probe, etc, can be fitted

4. a spanner head having a recess suitable to be fitted over the head of a bolt and a keyway into which a wrench can be fitted

5. anatomy

   1. a bony hollow into which a part or structure fits

      a tooth socket

      an eye socket

   2. the receptacle of a ball-and-socket joint

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verb

1. (tr) to furnish with or place into a socket

Other Word Forms

• socketless adjective
• unsocketed adjective

Etymology

Origin of socket

1300–50; Middle English soket < Anglo-French, equivalent to Old French soc plowshare (< Gaulish *soccos; compare Welsh swch, Old Irish socc ) + -et -et

Example Sentences

“These sockets saw, and these jaws spoke and swallowed. This is a monument to them. A temple.”

From Salon

A burning house looked to Akira like a glowing skull, its broken windows hollow like eye sockets, its exterior walls black against the bright orange fire that filled it.

From Literature

The illuminated door lever pops out of its socket and a puddle light projects the Cadillac crest at your feet.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is black mould on the walls while electric sockets hang loose with the wires exposed.

From BBC

Extension leads are handy solutions if you are short of sockets, provided they are used safely.

From BBC

Related Words

• apartment
• bedroom
• box
• cell
• cubicle
• hall
• room