Dictionary-Definition.com :: Rivet definition

Definition of 'rivet'

noun

Ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt) [syn: stud, rivet]

noun

Heavy pin having a head at one end and the other end being hammered flat after being passed through holes in the pieces that are fastened together

verb

Direct one's attention on something; "Please focus on your studies and not on your hobbies" [syn: concentrate, focus, center, centre, pore, rivet]

verb

Fasten with a rivet or rivets

verb

Hold (someone's attention); "The discovery of the skull riveted the paleontologists"

From: GCIDE

Rivet \Riv"et\, n. [F., fr. river to rivet; perh. fr. Icel. rifa to fasten together. Cf. Reef part of a sail.] A metallic pin with a head, used for uniting two plates or pieces of material together, by passing it through them and then beating or pressing down the point so that it shall spread out and form a second head; a pin or bolt headed or clinched at both ends. [1913 Webster]
With busy hammers closing rivets up. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Rivet joint, or Riveted joint, a joint between two or more pieces secured by rivets. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Rivet \Riv"et\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Riveted; p. pr. & vb. n. Riveting.]
1. To fasten with a rivet, or with rivets; as, to rivet two pieces of iron. [1913 Webster]
2. To spread out the end or point of, as of a metallic pin, rod, or bolt, by beating or pressing, so as to form a sort of head. [1913 Webster]
3. Hence, to fasten firmly; to make firm, strong, or immovable; as, to rivet friendship or affection. [1913 Webster]
Rivet and nail me where I stand, ye powers! --Congreve. [1913 Webster]
Thus his confidence was riveted and confirmed. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]