The Vietnamese word "rế" is a noun that refers to a bamboo basket used as a pad for hot pots. It is commonly used in Vietnamese households to protect tables from the heat of pots and to serve food.
In a more advanced context, "rế" can also be used metaphorically to refer to something that provides support or protection, similar to how it physically protects surfaces from heat.
While "rế" primarily refers to the bamboo pad, in some contexts, it might also refer to other types of bamboo or woven items that serve a similar function for different purposes.