n. & v.
--n. a nail or bolt for holding together metal plates etc., its headless end being beaten out or pressed down when in place.
--v.tr. (riveted, riveting)
1. a join or fasten with rivets. b beat out or press down the end of (a nail or bolt). c fix; make immovable.
2 a (foll. by on, upon) direct intently (one's eyes or attention etc.). b (esp. as riveting adj.) engross (a person or the attention).
Derivatives:
riveter n.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. river clench, of unkn. orig.