socket

Meanings

Noun

• An opening into which a plug or other connecting part is designed to fit (e.g. a light bulb socket).
• A hollow into a bone which a part fits, such as an eye, or another bone, in the case of a joint.
• One endpoint of a two-way communication link, used for interprocess communication across a network.
• One endpoint of a two-way named pipe on Unix and Unix-like systems, used for interprocess communication.
• A hollow tool for grasping and lifting tools dropped in a well-boring.
• The hollow of a candlestick.
• A steel apparatus attached to a saddle to protect the thighs and legs.

Verb

• To place or fit in a socket.

Related

Narrower meaning words

• dry socket
• eye socket
• network socket
• socket wrench
• tooth socket
• wall socket
• Websocket

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-.