tappet

[ tap-it ]

noun

, Machinery.

1. a sliding rod, intermittently struck by a cam, for moving another part, as a valve.

tappet

/ ˈtæpɪt /

noun

1. a mechanical part that reciprocates to receive or transmit intermittent motion, esp the part of an internal-combustion engine that transmits motion from the camshaft to the push rods or valves

Word History and Origins

Origin of tappet¹

First recorded in 1735–45; tap ¹ + -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of tappet¹

C18: from tap ¹+ -et

Example Sentences

Their nickname — “Click and Clack” — was apparently rooted in a term used by car mechanics for the “tappet noise” of a misaligned valve.

From Washington Post

One cam serves to open both valves as in its rotation it lifts the tappets in succession and so operates the exhaust and inlet valves respectively.

From Project Gutenberg

These stamps have their tappets near their upper ends, not as in the case of the lower stamps, which are placed just above the bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

The lift is effected by cams acting on the under surface of tappets, and formed by cylindrical boxes keyed on to the stems of the lifter about one-fourth of their length from the top.

From Project Gutenberg

Counterbalance-weights, carried on the ends of the arms, 4 and 15, retain the valves on their seats when closed by the action of the tappets.

From Project Gutenberg