I. ˈrivə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English ryvette, revette, from Middle French river to be attached
: a headed pin or bolt of some malleable material (as wrought iron, mild steel, or copper) used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head
II. transitive verb
( riveted also rivetted ; riveted also rivetted ; riveting also rivetting ; rivets )
Etymology: Middle English rivetten, reveten, from ryvette, revette, n.
1. : to fasten with or as if with rivets
rivet two pieces of iron
copper riveting for pants — Fortnight
could not drink tea from riveted china — Elizabeth Taylor
2. : to upset the end or point of (as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head : peen
3. : to fasten firmly : make firm, strong, or immovable : fix closely (as the eye, gaze, or mind)
made abundant gifts to rivet this fealty — Bernard DeVoto
stood riveted to the earth … in the fascination of that dreaded gaze — Sheridan Le Fanu
reporters' attention was temporarily riveted on some pelicans — Percy Sillitoe
4. : to attract and hold engrossingly (as the attention)
another part of the room soon riveted her gaze — Thomas Hardy