tripod

2 definitions found

tripod - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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]

tripod - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  tripod
      n 1: a three-legged rack used for support