trivet

¹ American  

[triv-it] / ˈtrɪv ɪt /

noun

1. a small metal plate with short legs, especially one put under a hot platter or dish to protect a table.

2. a three-footed or three-legged stand or support, especially one of iron placed over a fire to support cooking vessels or the like.

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trivet ² American  

[triv-it] / ˈtrɪv ɪt /

Or trivette

noun

1. a special knife for cutting pile loops, as of velvet or carpets.

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trivet British  

/ ˈtrɪvɪt /

noun

1. a stand, usually three-legged and metal, on which cooking vessels are placed over a fire

2. a short metal stand on which hot dishes are placed on a table

3. old-fashioned in perfect health

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Etymology

Origin of trivet¹

1375–1425; late Middle English trevet, Old English trefet, apparently blend of Old English thrifēte three-footed and Latin triped-, stem of tripēs three-footed (with Vulgar Latin -e- for Latin -i- )

Origin of trivet²

Origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Zara places the still-warm dish on a trivet on the table, and uses a spatula to lift three pieces from the pan, depositing them on plates for each of us.

From Literature

Later I brought it out, first as a curiosity piece and conversation starter, then as an accidental trivet.

From The Wall Street Journal

After removing the pot from the heat to a trivet or heat-safe surface, put your gloves and eye protection back on, and carefully pour the lye into the pot of oil.

From Salon

Place a heatproof trivet or steaming rack, such as the one that comes with the Instant Pot, over the mushroom mixture, then place the container of grits on the trivet or rack.

From Washington Post

For the same reason, rest it on a trivet to protect your countertops, too.

From Salon