receptacle — a container used to hold something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a container used to hold something
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈseptəkəl/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother uses an old teapot as a receptacle for her spare change.
- The mysterious receptacle in the lab turned out to be the professor's secret snack container.
- Finding a working electrical receptacle in this old building is like finding a needle in a haystack.
receptacle
NOUN[/rɪˈseptəkəl/]
a container used to hold something

She dropped the apple core into the kitchen receptacle without missing a beat.

A respectable receptacle makes waste disposal acceptable!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Receptacle derives from Latin 'receptaculum', formed from the verb 'recipere' meaning 'to receive' or 'to take in'. The term originally referred to a place or vessel for receiving and holding objects, reflecting the Roman concept of a container designed to accept and store items.
Breakdown
re- (back) + -cipere (take, seize) + -aculum (place or instrument suffix). The suffix '-aculum' transforms the verb into a noun denoting a location or container for the action of receiving.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother uses an old teapot as a receptacle for her spare change.”
“The mysterious receptacle in the lab turned out to be the professor's secret snack container.”
“Finding a working electrical receptacle in this old building is like finding a needle in a haystack.”
“The city installed new recycling receptacles throughout the downtown area.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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