Receptacle vs Socket - What's the difference?

As nouns the difference between receptacle and socket

is that receptacle is a container while socket is an opening into which a plug or other connecting part is designed to fit (e.g. a light bulb socket).

As a verb socket is

to place or fit in a socket.

receptacle

English

(wikipedia receptacle)

Noun

(en noun)

A container.

(botany) The part of the flower stalk (peduncle or pedicel) to which the floral parts are attached; also torus.

# In the Asteraceae , the end of the peduncle to which all of the florets of the flower head are attached.

(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

socket

English

Noun

(en noun)

(mechanics) An opening into which a plug or other connecting part is designed to fit (e.g. a light bulb socket ).

(anatomy) A hollow into a bone which a part fits, such as an eye, or another bone, in the case of a joint.

(computing) A two-way named pipe on Unix and Unix-like systems, used for interprocess communication.

Derived terms

* ball-and-socket joint * dry socket * eye socket * light bulb socket * mains socket * network socket * power socket * socket wrench * tooth socket * wall socket

Verb

(en verb)

To place or fit in a socket.