Trivet (noun)

1. A small stand or pad of metal, wood, or other heat-resistant material, placed on a table or other surface to protect it from hot dishes, kettles, etc.
2. A stand with short legs for supporting a hot dish, etc.

Origin:

Middle english trevet, from old french trivet, from latin tripes, from tri- + pes foot; akin to old english fōt foot.

Examples:

1. She placed the hot dish on the trivet to protect her table from the heat.
2. The trivet was a necessary addition to the table setting when serving a hot meal.
3. He used the trivet to hold his coffee pot over the camping stove.
4. I like to use a trivet to protect my countertops when cooking.
5. She placed the trivet on the table so the hot pot wouldn't burn the surface.