socket

[sok-it]

noun

1. a hollow part or piece for receiving and holding some part or thing.

2. Electricity.

   1. a device intended to hold an electric light bulb mechanically and connect it electrically to circuit wires.

   2. Also called wall socket. a socket placed in a wall to receive a plug that makes an electrical connection with supply wiring.

3. Anatomy.

   1. a hollow in one part that receives another part.

      the socket of the eye.

   2. the concavity of a joint.

      the socket of the hip.

verb (used with object)

1. to place in or fit with a socket.

socket

/ ˈsɒkɪt /

noun

1. a device into which an electric plug can be inserted in order to make a connection in a circuit

2. US and Canadian name: outlet. Informal Brit names: point.  plug. such a device mounted on a wall and connected to the electricity supply

3. a part with an opening or hollow into which some other part, such as a pipe, probe, etc, can be fitted

4. a spanner head having a recess suitable to be fitted over the head of a bolt and a keyway into which a wrench can be fitted

5. anatomy

   1. a bony hollow into which a part or structure fits

      a tooth socket

      an eye socket

   2. the receptacle of a ball-and-socket joint

verb

1. (tr) to furnish with or place into a socket

Other Word Forms

• socketless adjective
• unsocketed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of socket¹

1300–50; Middle English soket < Anglo-French, equivalent to Old French soc plowshare (< Gaulish *soccos; compare Welsh swch, Old Irish socc ) + -et -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of socket¹

C13: from Anglo-Norman soket a little ploughshare, from soc, of Celtic origin; compare Cornish soch ploughshare

Example Sentences

As a standout offensive and defensive lineman at Kennedy Catholic High in Washington, his shoulder would pop out of its socket during almost every game.

From Los Angeles Times

It turned out the tumour between his eye socket and brain was a cholesterol granuloma, which is a type of benign cyst.

From BBC

At its worst the pain around Nick's eye socket can feel like his eyeball is getting crushed.

From BBC

In one video, a small tube of a “melt cast” explosive punches a deep socket into a heavy metal bar, detonating so loudly the sound rockets from one bouldered slope to another.

From Los Angeles Times

Her sparse, wiry-looking fur sticks out in all directions as if she'd stuck that bony middle finger in an electric socket.

From Salon

Related Words

• apartment 
• bedroom 
• box 
• cell 
• cubicle 
• hall 
• room