[re.cep.ta.cle] n [ME, fr. L receptaculum, fr. receptare to receive, freq. of recipere to receive] (15c) 1: one that receives and contains something: container
2. [NL receptaculum, fr. L] a: the end of the flower stalk upon which the floral organs are borne b: a modified branch bearing sporangia in a cryptogamous plant
3: a mounted female electrical fitting that contains the live parts of the circuit