English Dictionary: tripod | by the DICT Development Group |
2 results for tripod | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
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From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Tripod \Tri"pod\, n. [L. tripus, -odis, Gr. [?]; [?] (see {Tri-}) + [?], [?], foot. See {Foot}, and cf. {Tripos}, {Trivet}.] 1. Any utensil or vessel, as a stool, table, altar, caldron, etc., supported on three feet. Note: On such, a stool, in the temple of Apollo at Delphi, the Pythian priestess sat while giving responses to those consulting the Delphic oracle. 2. A three-legged frame or stand, usually jointed at top, for supporting a theodolite, compass, telescope, camera, or other instrument. {Tripod of life}, [or] {Vital tripod} (Physiol.), the three organs, the heart, lungs, and brain; -- so called because their united action is necessary to the maintenance of life. |