Tripod
Pronunciation : Tri"pod
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. tripus, -odis, Gr. Tri-) + Foot, and cf. Tripos, Trivet.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913