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tappet

American  
[tap-it] / ˈtæp ɪt /

noun

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


tappet British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of tappet

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Each valve is cam operated through a tappet, push rod and rocker arm, seven cams being used on a seven-cylinder engine and nine cams on the nine-cylinder.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

In these grooves slides a tappet, n, connected with the axle.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 492, June 6, 1885 by Various

See if tappet clamp screws are tight and cottered.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

At the same time, the tappet, 3, by moving the arm, s, downward, opens the steam-valve, e, and the exhaust-valve, c.

From A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine by Thurston, Robert H.

Come, bumpers high, express your joy, The bowl we maun renew it, The tappet hen, gae bring her ben, To welcome Willie Stewart, You're welcome, Willie Stewart, &c.

From Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Burns, Robert