RECEPTACLE

receptacle

(noun) a container that is used to put or keep things in

receptacle

(noun) an electrical (or electronic) fitting that is connected to a source of power and equipped to receive an insert

receptacle

(noun) enlarged tip of a stem that bears the floral parts

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

receptacle (plural receptacles)

A container.

(botany) The part of the flower stalk (peduncle or pedicel) to which the floral parts are attached; a thalamus, a torus.

In the Asteraceae (aster or sunflower family), the end of the peduncle to which all of the florets of the flower head are attached.

(phycology) A structure at the end of a branch of an alga containing conceptacles (reproductive organs).

(zoology) An organ that receives and holds a secretion.

(electricity, US) A contact device installed at an outlet for the connection of an attachment plug (typically by receiving the plug's prongs) to supply portable appliances or equipment.

Synonyms

• (botany): thalamus, torus

• See also container

Source: Wiktionary

Re*cep"ta*cle, n. Etym: [F. réceptacle, L. receptaculum, fr. receptare, v. intens. fr. recipere to receive. See Receive.]

1. That which serves, or is used, fro receiving and containing something, as a basket, a vase, a bag, a reservoir; a repository. O sacred receptacle of my joys! Shak.

2. (Bot.) (a) The apex of the flower stalk, from which the organs of the flower grow, or into which they are inserted. See Illust. of Flower, and Ovary. (b) The dilated apex of a pedicel which serves as a common support to a head of flowers. (c) An intercellular cavity containing oil or resin or other matters. (d) A special branch which bears the fructification in many cryptogamous plants.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition