I. ˈtap 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
II. transitive verb
( tapped ; tap·ping )
Date: 15th century
1. : to let out or cause to flow by piercing or by drawing a plug from the containing vessel
tap wine from a cask
2.
a. : to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid
tap maple trees
b. : to draw out, from, or upon
tap new sources of revenue
the story tap s powerful emotions
3. : to cut in on (as a telephone or radio signal) to get information
4. : to form an internal screw thread in by means of a tap
5. : to get money from as a loan or gift
6. : to connect (a street gas or water main) with a local supply
• tap·per noun
•
- tap into
III. verb
( tapped ; tap·ping )
Etymology: Middle English tappen, from Old French taper to strike with the flat of the hand, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German tāpe paw, blow dealt with the paw
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to strike lightly especially with a slight sound
2. : to give a light blow with
tap a pencil on the table
3. : to bring about by repeated light blows
tap out a story on the typewriter
4. : to repair by putting a tap on
5. : select , designate
was tapped for police commissioner
specifically : to elect to membership (as in a fraternity)
intransitive verb
1. : to strike a light audible blow : rap
2. : to walk with light audible steps
3. : tap-dance
• tap·per noun
IV. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a light usually audible blow ; also : its sound
b. : one of several usually rapid drumbeats on a snare drum
2. : half sole
3. : a small metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe
4. : tap dance 1
5. : flap 7