Tripod

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.
        [1913 Webster]
  


     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.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A three-legged frame or stand, usually jointed at top, for
        supporting a theodolite, compass, telescope, camera, or
        other instrument.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {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.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  tripod
       n : a three-legged rack used for support