riveting

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
riveting
    adj 1: capable of arousing and holding the attention; "a
           fascinating story" [syn: {absorbing}, {engrossing},
           {fascinating}, {gripping}, {riveting}]
    
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rivet \Riv"et\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Riveted}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Riveting}.]
   1. To fasten with a rivet, or with rivets; as, to rivet two
      pieces of iron.
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   2. To spread out the end or point of, as of a metallic pin,
      rod, or bolt, by beating or pressing, so as to form a sort
      of head.
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   3. Hence, to fasten firmly; to make firm, strong, or
      immovable; as, to rivet friendship or affection.
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            Rivet and nail me where I stand, ye powers!
                                                  --Congreve.
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            Thus his confidence was riveted and confirmed. --Sir
                                                  W. Scott.
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from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Riveting \Riv"et*ing\, n.
   1. The act of joining with rivets; the act of spreading out
      and clinching the end, as of a rivet, by beating or
      pressing.
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   2. The whole set of rivets, collectively. --Tomlinsin.
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   {Butt riveting}, riveting in which the ends or edges of
      plates form a butt joint, and are fastened together by
      being riveted to a narrow strip which covers the joint.

   {Chain riveting}, riveting in which the rivets, in two or
      more rows along the seam, are set one behind the other.

   {Crossed riveting}, riveting in which the rivets in one row
      are set opposite the spaces between the rivets in the next
      row.

   {Double riveting}, in lap riveting, two rows of rivets along
      the seam; in butt riveting, four rows, two on each side of
      the joint.

   {Lap riveting}, riveting in which the ends or edges of plates
      overlap and are riveted together.
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