tap 1 (t p)v. tapped, tap·ping, taps v.tr. 1. To strike gently with a light blow or blows: I tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention. 2. To give a light rap with: tap a pencil. 3. To produce with a succession of light blows: tap out a rhythm. 4. To select, as for membership in an organization; designate. See Synonyms at appoint. 5. a. To repair (shoe heels or toes) by applying a thin layer of leather or a substitute material. b. To attach metal plates to (shoe toes or heels). v.intr. 1. To deliver a gentle, light blow or blows. 2. To walk making light clicks. n. 1. a. A gentle blow. b. The sound made by such a blow. 2. a. A thin layer of leather or a substitute applied to a worn-down shoe heel or toe. b. A metal plate attached to the toe or heel of a shoe, as for tap-dancing. 3. Linguistics See flap. [Middle English tappen, possibly from Old French taper.] |
| tap 2 (tp) n. 1. A valve and spout used to regulate delivery of a fluid at the end of a pipe. 2. A plug for a bunghole; a spigot. 3. a. Liquor drawn from a spigot. b. Liquor of a particular brew, cask, or quality. 4. Medicine The removal of fluid from a body cavity: a spinal tap. 5. A tool for cutting an internal screw thread. 6. A makeshift terminal in an electric circuit. 7. A wiretap. tr.v. tapped, tap·ping, taps Phrasal Verb: 1. To furnish with a spigot or tap. 2. To pierce in order to draw off liquid: tap a maple tree. 3. To draw (liquid) from a vessel or container: tap a new keg of beer. 4. Medicine To withdraw fluid from (a body cavity). 5. To make a physical connection with or open outlets from: tap a water main. 6. a. To wiretap (a telephone). b. To establish an electric connection in (a power line), as to divert current secretly. 7. To establish access to or a connection with: tapped a new market for inexpensive books. 8. To take advantage of; make use of: tapped voter anger to win the election. 9. To cut screw threads in (a collar, socket, or other fitting). 10. Informal To ask (a person) for money. tap into Idiom: 1. To establish a connection with; have access to: tapped into a new market for their products. 2. To take advantage of: tapped into their enthusiasm to improve the school. on tap 1. Ready to be drawn; in a tapped cask: beer on tap. 2. Available for immediate use; ready: extra personnel on tap. [Middle English tappe, from Old English tæppa.] |
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