tappet

American  

[tap-it] / ˈtæp ɪt /

noun

Machinery.

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of tappet

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

Example Sentences

I gapped the tappets and points, checked the oil, flipped the choke, hit the starter.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Washington Post

See if rocker arm tappets have a .020′′ clearance from valve stem when valve is seated.

From Project Gutenberg

Each stamp has a tappet at the back, which requires to be daubed with grease on the lower side that it can be raised more easily.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg