Tripod
/ˈtraɪ.pɑːd/noun
A stand or support with three legs, or a three-legged seat or vessel.
Did you know?In ancient Greek culture, a tripod was not just furniture: it could be a prized ritual object, especially at sanctuaries like Delphi, where the tripod became tied to prophecy and divine authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ped-
“foot”
Ancient Greek
GR
tripous (τρίπους)
“three-footed”
Late Latin
Latin
tripus
“three-legged stand or stool”
Old French
OF
tripeed / tripod(e)
“three-legged stand”
16th Century
English
tripod
“a three-legged stand or support”
Modern English
English
tripod
“a stand or support with three legs”
Explore more surprising origins