Category:Tripod

Tri"pod, n. Etym: [l. tripus, -odis, gr. Tri-) + foot, and cf. Tripos, trivet.]

1. Any utensil or vessel, as a stool, table, altar, caldron, etc., Supported on three feet.

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.

2. A three-legged frame or stand, usually jointed at top, for Supporting a theodolite, compass, telescope, camera, or other Instrument. 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.