Receptacle: meaning, definitions and examples

📦

Add to dictionary

receptacle

[rɪˈsɛptək(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

container

A receptacle is a container that is used for holding or storing things.

Synonyms

container, holder, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
receptacle	Typically used in formal or technical contexts to refer to an object that holds something. Often used in scientific, medical, or specialized fields. The laboratory specimen was placed in a sterile receptacle The floral receptacle supports the reproductive organs of the plant
container	A general term used to describe any object that can hold, carry, or store things. Commonly used in everyday language. Put the leftover food in a container and refrigerate it We need more containers for storage in the garage
vessel	Used to describe a container, especially one that can hold liquids. Often found in literary or formal contexts. The artist poured water into a clay vessel The ship is a large maritime vessel
holder	Used to refer to an object that holds or supports something in place. Frequently used for items designed specifically for holding certain objects. She placed the toothbrush in its holder The candle holder is made of brass

Examples of usage

She placed the fruits in the receptacle.
The rubbish was thrown into the receptacle.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

botany

In botany, a receptacle refers to the thickened part of a stem from which the flower organs grow.

Synonyms

flower base, flower stem.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
receptacle	Can refer to a specific part of a plant where the floral organs grow, commonly used in botanical science. The petals and stamens are attached to the receptacle. She studied the structure of the flower, focusing on the receptacle.
flower base	Best used specifically when talking about a container for holding cut flowers, usually in a more casual or everyday context. She arranged the roses beautifully in the flower base. The flower base on the dining table was filled with fresh daisies.
flower stem	Used to refer specifically to the part of the flower that supports the bloom, often in botanical or gardening contexts. Trim the flower stem before placing it in water. The flower stem was delicate and needed careful handling.

Word

Description / Examples

receptacle

Can refer to a specific part of a plant where the floral organs grow, commonly used in botanical science.

The petals and stamens are attached to the receptacle.
She studied the structure of the flower, focusing on the receptacle.

flower base

Best used specifically when talking about a container for holding cut flowers, usually in a more casual or everyday context.

She arranged the roses beautifully in the flower base.
The flower base on the dining table was filled with fresh daisies.

flower stem

Used to refer specifically to the part of the flower that supports the bloom, often in botanical or gardening contexts.

Trim the flower stem before placing it in water.
The flower stem was delicate and needed careful handling.

Examples of usage

The receptacle of the flower provides support for the petals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'receptaculum', meaning 'a receiving place'.
Its roots can be broken down into 'recipere', which means 'to receive'.

Science

In biology, receptacles can refer to parts of plants that hold or support flowers or seeds.
Electrical receptacles are commonly known as outlets, which provide a point to connect electrical devices.

Architecture

In architecture, receptacles can refer to built-in storage solutions, like shelves and cabinets, enhancing space efficiency.
Certain modernistic designs creatively incorporate receptacles into furniture, blending functionality with aesthetics.

Pop Culture

In sci-fi films, some futuristic props serve as receptacles for energy or data, enhancing the story's technology theme.
Art installations sometimes use unusual receptacles to challenge perceptions of how we store and value objects.

Translations

Translations of the word "receptacle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recipiente

🇮🇳 पात्र

🇩🇪 Behälter

🇮🇩 wadah

🇺🇦 контейнер

🇵🇱 pojemnik

🇯🇵 容器 (ようき)

🇫🇷 récipient

🇪🇸 recipiente

🇹🇷 kap

🇰🇷 용기

🇸🇦 وعاء

🇨🇿 nádoba

🇸🇰 nádoba

🇨🇳 容器 (róngqì)

🇸🇮 posoda

🇮🇸 ílát

🇰🇿 құты

🇬🇪 ჭურჭელი

🇦🇿 qab

🇲🇽 recipiente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,610, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10607 crystallization
10608 retreated
10609 terrific
10610 receptacle
10611 humbly
10612 cytoplasm
10613 probes
...