What Does Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Mean?
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a standard protocol used for the secure transmission of documents over a network. Developed by Netscape, SSL technology creates a secure link between a Web server and browser to ensure private and integral data transmission. SSL uses Transport Control Protocol (TCP) for communication.
Techopedia Explains Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
In SSL, the word socket refers to the mechanism of transferring data between a client and server over a network.