Re-cĕp'ta-cle, n.

(re-sĕp′/ta-kl, 113), n. [Fr. réceptacle, Pr. receptacle, Sp. receptaculo, It. ricettaculo, Lat. receptaculum, from receptare, v. intens. fr. recipere, to receive, q. v.]

1. That which receives, or into which any thing is received and held; a receiver or holder; a reservoir. “O sacred receptacle of my joys!” Shak.
2. (Bot.) (a.) The apex of the flower-stalk from which the organs of the flower grow or into which they are inserted. (b.) The dilated apex of a pedicel which serves as a common support to a head of flowers.

Formerly pronounced rec'ep-ta-cle.