Definition of "rivet"

rivet

/ˈɹɪvət/

noun
plural rivets
1. A cylindrical mechanical fastener that attaches multiple parts together by fitting through a hole and deforming the head(s) at either end.
2. (figuratively) Any fixed point or certain basis.
3. (obsolete) A light kind of footman's plate armour; an almain rivet.
  Quotations
  over his rivet he had a garment of white cloth of gold with a redde crosse
  1550, Edward Hall, “(please specify the part of the work)”, in The Vnion of the Two Noble and Illustre Famelies of Lancastre & Yorke, Beyng Long in Continuall Discension for the Croune of this Noble Realme, […], London: […] Rychard Grafton, […] [and Steven Mierdman]
  In 1579 it is mentioned that Almain rivets are now out of use, and in lieu of them a corselett shall be found. The rivets varied in cost; in 1509 they were to be had for 8s., in 1512 they were imported at 16s., and again in 1513 […]
  1903, The Archaeological Journal, page 105
verb
third-person singular simple present rivets, present participle riveting or rivetting, simple past and past participle riveted or rivetted
1. (transitive) To attach or fasten parts by using rivets.
2. (transitive) To install rivets.
3. (transitive, figurative) To command the attention of.
  Quotations
  1912 October, Edgar Rice Burroughs, “Tarzan of the Apes”, in The All-Story, New York, N.Y.: Frank A. Munsey Co.; republished as chapter 6, in Tarzan of the Apes, New York, N.Y.: A. L. Burt Company, 1914 June, pages The furnishings and other contents of the room it was which riveted his attention. He examined many things minutely — strange tools and weapons, books, paper, clothing — what little had withstood the ravages of time in the humid atmosphere of the jungle coast.
4. (transitive, figurative) To make firm or immovable.

Definition of "rivet"

rivet

noun

Quotations

verb

Quotations