Socket

1. An opening into which anything is fitted; any hollow thing or place which receives and holds something else; as, the sockets of the teeth.
2. Especially, the hollow tube or place in which a candle is fixed in the candlestick.
3. (Electricity) the receptacle of an electric lamp into which a light bulb is inserted, containing contacts to conduct electricity to the bulb.
4. (Electricity) the receptacle fixed in a wall and connected by conductive wiring to an electrical supply, containing contacts to conduct electricity, and into which the plug of an electrical device is inserted; -- called also a wall socket or outlet. The socket will typically have two or three contacts; if three, the third is connected to a ground for safety.
Socket bolt (Mach.),
a bolt that passes through a thimble that is placed between the parts connected by the bolt.
Socket chisel .
Same as Framing chisel. See under Framing.
Socket pipe ,
a pipe with an expansion at one end to receive the end of a connecting pipe.
Socket pole ,
a pole armed with iron fixed on by means of a socket, and used to propel boats, etc.
Socket wrench ,
a wrench consisting of a socket at the end of a shank or rod, for turning a nut, bolthead, etc., in a narrow or deep recess.