tappet

[tap-it]

noun

Machinery.

1. a sliding rod, intermittently struck by a cam, for moving another part, as a valve.

tappet

/ ˈtæpɪt /

noun

1. a mechanical part that reciprocates to receive or transmit intermittent motion, esp the part of an internal-combustion engine that transmits motion from the camshaft to the push rods or valves

Word History and Origins

Origin of tappet¹

First recorded in 1735–45; tap ¹ + -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of tappet¹

C18: from _tap ¹ + _-et

Example Sentences

Their nickname — “Click and Clack” — was apparently rooted in a term used by car mechanics for the “tappet noise” of a misaligned valve.

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One cam serves to open both valves as in its rotation it lifts the tappets in succession and so operates the exhaust and inlet valves respectively.

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These stamps have their tappets near their upper ends, not as in the case of the lower stamps, which are placed just above the bottom.

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The lift is effected by cams acting on the under surface of tappets, and formed by cylindrical boxes keyed on to the stems of the lifter about one-fourth of their length from the top.

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Counterbalance-weights, carried on the ends of the arms, 4 and 15, retain the valves on their seats when closed by the action of the tappets.

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