/ri sep"teuh keuhl/ , n.
1. a container, device, etc., that receives or holds something: a receptacle for trash.
2. Bot. 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. Elect. 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.
[ 1375-1425; ME ( receptaculum reservoir, equiv. to recepta ( re ) to take again, receive back (freq. of recipere to RECEIVE) + -culum -CLE 2 ]