Receptacle \Re*cep"ta*cle\, n. [F. r['e]ceptacle, L. receptaculum, fr. receptare, v. intens. fr. recipere to receive. See Receive.]

1. That which serves, or is used, fro receiving and containing something, as a basket, a vase, a bag, a reservoir; a repository.

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. See Illust. of Flower, and Ovary.
   (b) The dilated apex of a pedicel which serves as a common support to a head of flowers.
   (c) An intercellular cavity containing oil or resin or other matters.
   (d) A special branch which bears the fructification in many cryptogamous plants.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)