Tripod
Tripod , noun
[Latin tripus, -odis, Greek {not transcribed}; {not transcribed} (see Tri-) + {not transcribed}, {not transcribed}, foot. See Foot, and compare Tripos, Trivet.]
1.
Any utensil or vessel, as a stool, table, altar, caldron, etc., supported on three feet.
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.
Collocations (1)
Tripod of life or Vital tripod (Physiology) , the three organs, the heart, lungs, and brain; -- so called because their united action is necessary to the maintenance of life.