tap

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /tæp/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular tap

Plural taps

A tap

1. A device that liquids come out of.

   We don't have bottled water, you'll have to get it from the tap.

2. A repeated touching of one's hands, foot or other body part.

   When Steve felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned around.

3. A connection made to an electrical or fluid conductor without breaking it.

   The system was barely keeping pressure due to all of the ill advised taps along its length.

4. (mechanical) A tool used to cut an internal screw thread. (External screw threads are cut with a die.)

   We drilled a hole and then cut the threads with the proper tap to match the valve's thread.

Verb

Plain form tap

Third-person singular taps

Past tense tapped

Past participle tapped

Present participle tapping

1. To access a resource or object.

   Steve tapped the keg so we could drink beer.

   When he ran out of money, he decided to tap into his trust fund.

2. To touch someone or something lightly with your finger, hand, or foot, sometimes repeatedly.

   I tap my fingers on the table when I get bored.

   She was tapping her leg because she was nervous.

   He tapped me on my shoulder to let me know it was time to go.

3. To place a listening or recording device on a telephone connection.

   They can't tap the phone without a warrant.

4. (mechanical) To cut an internal screw thread.

   Tap an M3 thread all the way through the hole.

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