wall socket

Socket Sock"et, n. [OE. soket, a dim. through OF. fr. L. soccus. See {Sock} a covering for the foot.] 1. An opening into which anything is fitted; any hollow thing or place which receives and holds something else; as, the sockets of the teeth. [1913 Webster]

His eyeballs in their hollow sockets sink. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

2. Especially, the hollow tube or place in which a candle is fixed in the candlestick. [1913 Webster]

3. (Electricity) the receptacle of an electric lamp into which a light bulb is inserted, containing contacts to conduct electricity to the bulb. [PJC]

4. (Electricity) the receptacle fixed in a wall and connected by conductive wiring to an electrical supply, containing contacts to conduct electricity, and into which the plug of an electrical device is inserted; -- called also a {wall socket} or {outlet}. The socket will typically have two or three contacts; if three, the third is connected to a ground for safety. [PJC]

And in the sockets oily bubbles dance. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

{Socket bolt} (Mach.), a bolt that passes through a thimble that is placed between the parts connected by the bolt.

{Socket chisel}. Same as {Framing chisel}. See under {Framing}.

{Socket pipe}, a pipe with an expansion at one end to receive the end of a connecting pipe.

{Socket pole}, a pole armed with iron fixed on by means of a socket, and used to propel boats, etc. [U.S.]

{Socket wrench}, a wrench consisting of a socket at the end of a shank or rod, for turning a nut, bolthead, etc., in a narrow or deep recess. [1913 Webster]