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Webster 1913 Edition


Receptacle

Re-cep′ta-cle

(rē̍-sĕp′tȧ-k’l)
,
Noun.
[F.
réceptacle
, L.
receptaculum
, fr.
receptare
, v. intens. fr.
recipere
to receive. See
Receive
.]
1.
That which serves, or is used, for receiving and containing something, as for examople, a
basket
, a
vase
, a
bag
, a
reservoir
; a
repository
.
O sacred
receptacle
of my joys!
Shakespeare
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.

Webster 1828 Edition


Receptacle

RECEP'TACLE

,
Noun.
[L. receptaculum, from receptus, recipio.]
1.
A place or vessel into which something is received or in which it is contained, as a vat, a tun, a hollow in the earth, &c. The grave is the common receptacle of the dead.
2.
In botany, one of the parts of the fructification; the base by which the other parts of the fructification are connected. A proper receptacle belongs to one fructification only; a common receptacle connects several florets or distinct fructifications. The receptacle of the fructification is common both to the flower and the fruit, or it embraces the corol and germ. The receptacle of the flower, is the base to which the parts of the flower, exclusive of the germ, are fixed. The receptacle of the fruit, is the base of the fruit only. The receptacle of the seeds, is the base to which the seeds are fixed.
3.
In anatomy, the receptacle of the chyle is situated on the left side of the upper verteber of the loins, under the aorta and the vessels of the left kidney.

Definition 2024


receptacle

receptacle

See also: réceptacle

English

Noun

receptacle (plural receptacles)

  1. A container.
  2. (botany) The part of the flower stalk (peduncle or pedicel) to which the floral parts are attached; also torus.
    1. In the Asteraceae, the end of the peduncle to which all of the florets of the flower head are attached.
  3. (electricity, US) A contact device installed at an outlet for the connection of an attachment plug and flexible cord to supply portable equipment or appliances.

Synonyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:container

Translations