rivet Definition

rivet
noun

1. engineering.
A metal pin or bolt with a head at one end, used for joining pieces of metal, etc by passing it through a hole in each of the pieces, then hammering the protruding end flat.

verb riveted, riveting

1. To fasten (pieces of metal, etc) with a rivet.

Thesaurus: fasten, nail, pin, bolt, affix, fix.
2. To flatten or hammer out (the head of a nail, etc).
3. To fix something securely.
4. To attract (eg someone's attention) and hold it firmly; to engross someone.

Thesaurus: fascinate, absorb, engross, enthrall, captivate, hypnotize, magnetize, spellbind, grip, arrest; Antonym: bore.
5. To render someone motionless, especially with fascination, horror or fear, etc.

Example: I was riveted to the spot when I saw how he'd changed

Derivative: riveter

Someone whose job is to rivet.

A machine for riveting.

Etymology: 14c: from French river to fasten or clinch.