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

/ 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

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

Hannity, meanwhile, was all praise for the man who referred to the entire country as a receptacle for trash.

From Salon

As the evening dragged on, I was resigned to just discarding the flower in a receptacle.

From Los Angeles Times

The next morning, Lorenzo left his Fremont apartment and drove to San José and dumped her body in a “trash receptacle,” according to police.

From Los Angeles Times

A garbage company later emptied the receptacle, transferring its contents to the recycling center where Ellie’s body was found.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a partnership with a reusable packaging and logistics company called Reusables.com, which provided Tailwind and another Seattle area store, Cloud City Coffee, with branded cups and a QR code-operated drop-off receptacle.

From Salon