socket

—socketless, adj.

/sok"it/, n.

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

2. Elect.

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

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

3. Anat.

a. a hollow in one part that receives another part: the socket of the eye.

b. the concavity of a joint: the socket of the hip.

v.t.

4. to place in or fit with a socket.

[1300-50; ME soket < AF, equiv. to OF soc plowshare ( < Gaulish *soccos; cf. Welsh swch, OIr socc) + -et -ET]

* * *