socket

Pluralsockets

Formssockets, socketing, socketed

1. 1
   nouncountable

   An opening where you push in a plug or bulb to make it work.

   Like a hole that a puzzle piece fits into.

   Push the plug into the wall socket to charge your phone.

   The bulb screws into the socket at the top of the lamp.

   Similaroutlet, receptacle

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A hollow space in a bone where another part, like an eye or another bone, fits.

   Like the way a ball rests in a cupped hand.

   The doctor gently eased the bone back into its socket.

   Her eye sits deep in the socket.

   Similarcavity, hollow

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A metal cap that fits on a wrench and grips a bolt to turn it.

   Like a cap that fits over a bottle top so you can twist it open.

   He grabbed a bigger socket to loosen the rusty bolt.

   The socket slipped off the nut and he scraped his knuckles.

4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To put something firmly into a socket so that it fits.

   Like clicking a battery into the slot of a remote.

   Socket the bulb gently so the threads line up.

   You need to socket the chip before turning the computer on.

   Similarseat, insert, fit, mount

   Note
5. 5
   nouncountable

   A connection point that lets two programs send data to each other over a network.

   Like a phone line that lets two computers talk to each other.

   The app opens a socket to talk to the game server.

   If the socket closes, the connection drops.

   Note
6. 6
   nouncountable

   On Unix systems, a connection point that lets two programs on one computer share data.

   Like a tube between two rooms in one house so people can pass notes.

   The two programs share data through a socket on the same machine.

   Unix uses a socket file to pass messages between programs.

   Note
7. 7
   nouncountable

   The small cup at the top of a candlestick that holds the candle.

   Like a little cup that holds an egg upright.

   She pushed the candle into the socket until it stood straight.

   Melted wax had filled the socket and hardened.

   Note
8. 8
   nouncountable

   A hollow tool used to grab and lift tools that fall down a deep drilled hole.

   Like using a claw to grab a toy at the bottom of a deep jar.

   The driller lowered a socket to fish out the broken bit.

   Without a socket, the lost tool would stay stuck in the hole.

9. 9
   nouncountable

   A steel guard fixed to a saddle to protect a rider's thighs and legs.

   Like a metal shield strapped to the side of a seat to guard your legs.

   The rider's legs were protected by a steel socket on the saddle.

   A heavy socket guarded each thigh as he rode into battle.

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