rivet

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noun riv·et \ˈri-vət\

Definition of rivet

: a headed pin or bolt of metal used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head

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Origin and Etymology of rivet

Middle English, clinch on a nail, rivet, from Old French, from river to attach, rivet, probably from rive border, edge, bank, from Latin ripa

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, punch, tang

rivet

verb riv·et

Definition of rivet

transitive verb
1 : to fasten with or as if with rivets
2 : to upset the end or point of (something, such as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head
3 : to fasten or fix firmly stood riveted by fright
4 : to attract and hold (something, such as a person's attention) completely

riveter

noun

See rivet defined for English-language learners

Examples of rivet in a Sentence

The iron plates are riveted rather than welded.
everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage

First Known Use of rivet

15th century

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

RIVET Defined for English Language Learners

rivet

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noun

Definition of rivet for English Language Learners

: a special kind of metal bolt or pin that is used to hold pieces of metal together

rivet

verb

Definition of rivet for English Language Learners

: to attract and hold all of someone's attention
: to make (someone) unable to move because of fear, shock, etc.
: to fasten (something) with rivets

RIVET Defined for Kids

rivet

play

noun riv·et \ˈri-vət\

Definition of rivet for Students

: a bolt with a head that is passed through two or more pieces and is hammered into place

rivet

play

verb riv·et

Definition of rivet for Students

riveted

;

riveting

1 : to fasten with rivets
2 : to attract and hold (as someone's attention) completely We were riveted by the story.
3 : to make (someone) unable to move because of fear or shock