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.

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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

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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

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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

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

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

"It's not a committee meeting. It is a plenary session of Parliamentary Assembly. And all other receptacles are not to be in this part of the building."

From BBC

When residents realised there was free petrol to be had - people, mostly young men and teenagers, rushed to get buckets and other receptacles to collect the precious liquid.

From BBC