A tripod is a three-legged frame or stand that is used to support and stabilize an object. It is a portable device that can be used to support a camera, a flash unit, or other videographic or observational/measuring equipment. The three-legged design provides good stability against gravitational loads as well as horizontal shear forces, and better leverage for resisting tipping over due to lateral forces can be achieved by spreading the legs away from the vertical center. Tripods are used in various fields, including photography and filmmaking, to prevent camera movement and reduce camera shake, which can produce a blurred image. The word "tripod" comes from the Greek word "tripous," which means "three-footed".