grommet

 
Pronunciation: /ˈgrɒmɪt/

noun

  • 1an eyelet placed in a hole to protect or insulate a rope or cable passed through it or to reinforce the hole.
  • 2British a tube surgically implanted in the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear.
  • 3 informal, chiefly Australian a young or inexperienced surfer or skateboarder.

Origin:

early 17th century (in nautical use in the sense 'a circle of rope used as a fastening'): from obsolete French grommette, from gourmer 'to curb', of unknown ultimate origin. Current senses date from the mid 20th century