A receptacle is a space that makes it possible to store something.
Receptacle is a term whose etymology refers us to the Latin language , more precisely to the word receptacŭlum . This word, in turn, is the result of the sum of two clearly differentiated parts: the verb receptare , which can be translated as “receive” or “collect” ; and the suffix -culum , which is used to refer to a medium or instrument.
The concept is used to name the hole or concavity that serves to contain some type of substance or element. For example: “The lights are hidden in a receptacle for aesthetic reasons” , “The shower receptacle was built with marble” , “I can't open the receptacle to change the battery, could you help me?” .
The receptacle as storage space
A receptacle, in a sense, can be any surface or space that allows something to be stored. The trunk receptacle of a car is the place where a person can store bags when going on a trip, to name one possibility. A piece of furniture, on the other hand, can have several receptacles to store different objects.
Within the field of decoration and construction, the term in question is also frequently used. Thus, it is common for it to be used to refer to the set of elements that can be used to house various products, objects or articles inside. Specifically, we can determine that they are receptacles from the shower hole to the basket that is used to place dirty clothes, passing through the spaces that remain free in a room and that are going to be used to shape a built-in wardrobe. .
In botany, the receptacle is an area of the peduncle.
The concept in botany
Within the field of botany , the receptacle is the sector of the peduncle that, thanks to its widening, allows the insertion of the calyx, the corolla and other parts of the flowers . The concept is used as a synonym for thalamus .
The shape of this receptacle varies according to the position of the ovary . Therefore, it is possible to find receptacles with different characteristics.
Regarding this type of receptacle, we cannot forget another important series of data:
- It can be of various types depending, for example, on the form they take. Thus, it is the case that there are conical ones.
- As a general rule, it is usually flat . However, that does not prevent it from being cupped or concave . What's more, sometimes it even appears like a tube .
Other uses of the term receptacle
The idea of a receptacle can also be used symbolically. A journalist can affirm that Lionel Messi is the “receptacle of illusion” of Argentine fans since they trust that this footballer, with his good performances, will allow the team to establish itself in the World Championship or in another tournament. The Argentines, therefore, place their hopes of achieving sporting success in Messi .
In addition to all of the above, we cannot ignore that receptacle, although it is now out of use, has been used over the years as a synonym for refuge , asylum or even welcome .