/
rɪˈsɛptək(ə)l/
n.
- an object or space used to contain something.
- N. Amer. an electrical socket.
- chiefly Zoology an organ or structure which receives a secretion, eggs, etc.
- Botany the base of a flower, flower head, or other sexual organ.
Etymology
ME: from L. receptaculum, from receptare, frequentative of recipere (see receive).
