tappet

noun

tap·​pet ˈta-pət How to pronounce tappet (audio)
: a lever or projection moved by some other piece (such as a cam) or intended to tap or touch something else to cause a particular motion

Examples of tappet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the mechanical valvetrain—which actuates valves via a mechanical cam follower (pushrod, tappet, finger)—reigned from 1900 to about the 1970s. Eric Tegler, Popular Mechanics, 10 May 2023 The noise police also installed hydraulic bucket tappets, which have the additional advantage of avoiding oil drainage when the engine is not running. William Jeanes, Car and Driver, 28 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tappet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

irregular from tap entry 1

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tappet was in 1745

Dictionary Entries Near tappet

Cite this Entry

“Tappet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tappet. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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