# receptacle

/ɹəˈsɛptəkəɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪsˈɛptəkəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/receptacle
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a container or holder, especially one that is used to hold something specific like a seed or a piece of fruit.

For teachers: a container or vessel, particularly one used to hold or receive something. In a biological context, it refers to a structure that holds or receives a specific biological entity, such as a seed or a fruit.

## Examples

- The plant has a small receptacle that holds the seeds.
- The biologist examined the receptacle of the flower to see how the seeds were arranged.
- In many flowering plants, the receptacle swells to form a fleshy structure that serves as a protective receptacle for the developing seeds until they are ready for dispersal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.