Rivet Definition
rĭvĭt
riveted, rivets
noun
rivets
A metal bolt or pin with a head on one end, used to fasten plates or beams together by passing it through holes in them and then hammering down the plain end into a head so as to lock it in place.
Webster's New World
A similar device used to fasten or strengthen seams, as on work clothes.
Webster's New World
(figuratively) Any fixed point or certain basis.
Wiktionary
verb
riveted, rivets
To fasten with a rivet or rivets.
Webster's New World
To hammer or spread the end of (a bolt, etc.) into a head, for fastening something.
Webster's New World
To fasten or secure firmly.
Webster's New World
To fix the attention of (someone).
The audience was riveted by the suspense.
American Heritage
To fix or hold (the eyes, attention, etc.) firmly.
Webster's New World
Origin of Rivet
-
Old French rivet (13th century), from a verb river (“to fetter [a person]") (12th century), from rive (“rim, edge") (ca. 1100), which is ultimately from Latin ripa (“riverbank"). Compare river, rival, ripuarian.
From Wiktionary
Middle English from Old French river to attach
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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