receptacle Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a container that is used to put or keep things in
noun enlarged tip of a stem that bears the floral parts
noun an electrical (or electronic) fitting that is connected to a source of power and equipped to receive an insert

F. réceptacle, L. receptaculum, fr. receptare, v. intens. fr. recipere to receive. See Receive.

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.
(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.