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Glite Dictionary
electric socket

electric socket

2.7
A device in a wall or lamp that a light bulb goes into to get power
  • noun
  • /ɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈsɑkɪt/
translation icon : enchufe eléctrico
  • I need an electric socket for my lamp.

Examples

  • He twisted the bulb gently into the electric socket until it clicked into place.

  • The lamp wouldn't work because there was a loose wire in the electric socket.

  • Always turn off the power before replacing a bulb in the electric socket.

  • The electric socket is located behind the couch.

  • To replace the blown lightbulb, make sure to turn off the power at the electric socket first.

  • They installed a new electric socket in the kitchen to accommodate the additional appliances.

  • She carefully inserted the plug into the electric socket before turning on the lamp.

Synonyms

socket
vselectric socket
24 2.8

A place in a wall where you plug devices to get power

is specifically made for inserting a light bulb to form an electrical contact
light fixture
vselectric socket
  • US
12 3.7

A device on a ceiling or wall that holds and powers a light bulb

is only the receptacle where a bulb is inserted for electrical connection
lighting fixture
vselectric socket
  • Specialized
4 3.4

A device fixed to a ceiling or wall that holds a lamp to give light

is the small insert point where a bulb is pushed in to connect
light fitting
vselectric socket
  • UK
1 3.4

A device on a wall or ceiling that holds and powers a light bulb

is the single receptacle used just for inserting a bulb to make contact

Surface Forms

electric socket singular
electric sockets plural

Morphology

electric + socket

The meaning is directly composed from 'electric' (relating to electrical power) modifying 'socket' (an outlet/holder), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a socket for electrical devices or a lightbulb. This noun-modifier composition is common and cross-linguistically regular, making the MWE immediately comprehensible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Electric socket comes from a simple image: a socket is like a small cup or hole where something fits, and electric tells us it has power. So an electric socket is the place where you 'insert' a bulb or plug to connect to power.