electric receptacle
- noun
- /ɪˈlɛktrɪk rɪˈsɛptəkl/
- Specialized
:
enchufe eléctrico
- The lamp won't turn on unless it's plugged into an electric receptacle.
Examples
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Make sure the electric receptacle is properly grounded before using it with power tools.
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Every room in the house has at least one electric receptacle for appliances.
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The electric receptacle was installed yesterday.
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Can you plug that into the electric receptacle?
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Before using the toaster, ensure it is plugged into an electric receptacle.
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The technician checked the electric receptacle for any signs of damage.
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Always use a surge protector when connecting devices to an electric receptacle.
Synonyms
53
2.7
A point in a wall where you plug in electrical devices to get power
24
2.8
A place in a wall where you plug devices to get power
13
5.6
A socket where you plug a cable to connect a device
7
3.0
A socket in a wall where you plug in a phone charger or lamp to get power
3
2.9
A place in a wall where you plug in an electrical device to get power
2
7.1
A socket where you plug in power cords
1
2.4
A socket in a wall that lets you plug in devices to get power
1
2.4
An electrical socket in a wall where you connect a device to get power
A wall socket where you plug devices to get electricity
A device in a wall or lamp that a light bulb goes into to get power
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase denotes an adjective+noun composition where the noun is a receptacle and the adjective specifies it relates to electricity; a learner who knows 'electric' and 'receptacle' can directly compose the meaning as a socket/outlet for electrical devices. This is a commonplace, compositional pattern in English (and in many other languages), so the expression is immediately interpretable from its parts.
Etymology
Electric receptacle comes from the idea of a place that 'receives' power: receptacle meant a thing that takes in, and electric shows what it takes in — electricity. That's why it now means the wall socket where you plug in appliances to get power.