n.
Pronunciation: ' tap
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English tappe, from Old English tæppa; akin to Old High German zapho tap
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a plug for a hole (as in a cask) : SPIGOT b : a device consisting of a spout and valve attached to the end of a pipe to control the flow of a fluid : FAUCET
2 a : a liquor drawn through a tap b : the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity)
3 : a tool for forming an internal screw thread
4 : an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made
5 : WIRETAP
– on tap
1 : ready to be drawn from a large container (as a cask or keg) <ale on tap >
2 : broached or furnished with a tap
3 : on hand : AVAILABLE <services instantly on tap ― Hugh Dwan>
4 : coming up <other matches on tap ― H. W. Wind>