Rivet

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɹɪvət/

Definitions

1. A cylindrical metal fastener serves to join pieces of material while also referring to a state of being completely absorbed or fascinated by an experience or subject
2. This type of fastener is utilized prominently in construction and manufacturing, and it may also denote a deep engagement or intense focus on an interest
3. A metal pin or bolt used to permanently bind two or more parts together by deforming its end ; to captivate or engross someone's full attention deeply

Etymology: The most surprising thing about "rivet" is that it has nothing to do with fastening. It comes from the Old French verb "river," meaning "to fetter" a person, that is, to chain someone up. That verb grew from "rive," meaning "rim" or "edge," and the whole family ultimately traces back to Latin "ripa," "riverbank." The link runs through the idea of a bank or edge, which the Old French language stretched into the idea of binding something fast. The noun took its modern sense in the 13th century, when Old French used "rivet" for a small pin or nail. The fastener is named for the act of holding things firmly together, which is the same sense that gave us the verb. Its cousins in English are "river," "rival," and "riparian," all descended from the same Latin word for a bank. A quieter branch of the family is a piece of footman's armour called a "rivet," apparently a back-formation from "almain rivet," a term that itself seems to have been formed from the English noun.

Synonyms: fastener, clamp, bolt