What does "socket" mean?

1. (electrical outlet) the place on a wall where you plug in electrical equipment. 2. (anatomical cavity) a hollow space in the body that holds a part, like an eye or a bone. 3. (network endpoint) a connection point for sending and receiving data over a computer network. 4. (mechanical fitting) a hollow part of a tool or machine that another part fits into. 5. (to fit into a hole) to place or fit something into a socket.

socket

n. · v.

US //ˈsɑkət// UK //sˈɒkɪt// sock·et

1 electrical outlet (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the place on a wall where you plug in electrical equipment.

a device or opening into which an electric plug can be inserted to make a connection.

Example

He plugged the vacuum cleaner into the wall socket in the hallway.

Example

The contractor installed several additional sockets in the home office to accommodate the client's extensive computer equipment and peripherals.
- outlet
- power point
- plug
2 anatomical cavity (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

a hollow space in the body that holds a part, like an eye or a bone.

a natural hollow or cavity in the body into which another part, such as a bone or an organ, fits.

Example

The skull has two large sockets that hold the eyes in place.

Example

The surgeon carefully examined the hip socket to determine if the joint replacement was properly aligned with the pelvic bone.
- cavity
- hollow

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3 network endpoint (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

a connection point for sending and receiving data over a computer network.

one endpoint of a two-way communication link between two programs running on a network.

Example

The software failed to connect because the server socket was already in use.

Example

The application establishes a secure socket to ensure that all data transmitted between the client and the server remains encrypted.
- endpoint
- port
4 mechanical fitting (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a hollow part of a tool or machine that another part fits into.

a hollow part or piece of a mechanism into which a corresponding part is inserted or revolves.

Example

You need a different size socket for the wrench to loosen this bolt.

Example

The lightbulb was stuck in the socket because the metal had corroded over several years of exposure to moisture.
- receptacle
- holder
5 to fit into a hole (v.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Technical

to place or fit something into a socket.

to place, fit, or secure an object within a corresponding hollow or receptacle.

Example

The technician carefully socketed the new processor into the motherboard.

Example

The structural components are designed to be socketed together, providing a rigid frame without the need for external fasteners.
- remove
- detach

Origin

From Middle English socket, soket, from Anglo-Norman soket (“spearhead”), diminutive of Old French soc (“plowshare”), from Vulgar Latin soccus, a word borrowed from Gaulish, from Proto-Celtic sukkos (compare modern Welsh swch (“plowshare”)), literally "pig's snout", from Proto-Indo-European *suH-.