Socket

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsÉ’kɪt
• Rhymes: -É’kɪt

Origin

From Anglo-Norman soket, "spearhead" (diminutive of Old French soc: plowshare), from Vulgar Latin soccus.

Full definition of socket

Noun

1. (mechanics) An opening into which a plug or other connecting part is designed to fit (e.g. a light bulb socket).
2. (anatomy) A hollow into a bone which a part fits, such as an eye, or another bone, in the case of a joint.
3. (computing) A two-way named pipe on Unix and Unix-like systems, used for interprocess communication.

Derived terms

• ball-and-socket joint
• dry socket
• eye socket
• light bulb socket
• mains socket
• network socket
• power socket
• socket wrench
• tooth socket
• wall socket

Verb

1. To place or fit in a socket.