tap1
n.
- a device by which a flow of liquid or gas from a pipe or container can be controlled.
- an instrument for cutting a threaded hole in a material.
- a device connected to a telephone for listening secretly to conversation.
-
(also tapping)
Brit. an electrical connection made to some point between the end terminals of a transformer coil or other component.
- Brit. a taproom.
v.
(taps, tapping, tapped)
- draw liquid through the tap or spout of (a cask, barrel, etc.).
- draw sap from (a tree) by cutting into it.
- exploit or draw a supply from (a resource).
▸informal obtain money or information from.
- connect a device to (a telephone) so that conversation can be listened to secretly.
- cut a thread in (something) to accept a screw.
Phrase
- on tap
- ready to be poured from a tap.
▸informal freely available whenever needed.
- N. Amer. informal on schedule to occur.
Derivative
Etymology
OE tæppa ‘stopper for a cask’, tæppian ‘provide (a cask) with a stopper’, of Gmc origin.
tap2
v.
(taps, tapping, tapped)
- strike or knock with a quick light blow or blows.
▸strike lightly and repeatedly against something else:
she was tapping her feet.
-
(tap someone up)
Brit. informal approach (a sports player) illegally with a view to signing them to another club while they are still under contract with their current one.
- N. Amer. informal designate or select for a task or honour.
n.
- a quick light blow or the sound of such a blow.
- tap dancing.
▸a piece of metal attached to the toe and heel of a tap dancer's shoe to make a tapping sound.
-
(taps)
[treated as sing. or pl.]
US a bugle call for lights to be put out in army quarters.
▸a similar call sounded at a military funeral.
▸Brit. (in the Guide movement) a closing song sung at an evening camp fire or at the end of a meeting.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. taper, or of imitative origin; cf. clap1 and rap1.