used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
acceleratedadjectiveUS /ækˈseləreɪtɪd/
speeded up, as of an academic course
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
in addition
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
arisesverbUS /ərˈaɪzəz/
third-person singular of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
camnounUS /kæm/
a river in east central England that flows past Cambridge to join the Ouse River
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
CAMSnounUS /kæmz/
plural of “cam” — a river in east central England that flows past Cambridge to join the Ouse River
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
crankverbUS /kræŋk/
travel along a zigzag path
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
dependentadjectiveUS /dɪˈpendənt/
relying on or requiring a person or thing for support, supply, or what is needed
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
ECCENTRICSnounUS /ɪkˈsentrɪks/
plural of “eccentric” — a person with an unusual or odd personality
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
one or the other of two
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
engageverbUS /enˈɡeɪdʒ/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
engagingadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/
attracting or delighting
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
groovedadjective
established as if settled into a groove or rut
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
heart-wheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
impartverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːrt/
transmit (knowledge or skills)
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
intermittentadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt/
stopping and starting at irregular intervals
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
invertedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɜːrtɪd/
being in such a position that top and bottom are reversed
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
largelyadverbUS /ˈlɑːrdʒli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
needlenounUS /ˈniːdəl/
the leaf of a conifer
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
and nothing more
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
pinverbUS /pɪn/
to hold fast or prevent from moving
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
with speed
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
reciprocatingverbUS /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “reciprocate” — act, feel, or give mutually or in return
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
retardedadjectiveUS /rɪˈtɑːrdɪd/
relatively slow in mental or emotional or physical development
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
reverselyadverb
in an opposite way; so as to be reversed
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
sewingnounUS /ˈsoʊɪŋ/
joining or attaching by stitches
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
slotnounUS /slɑːt/
a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
slottedverbUS /ˈslɑːtɪd/
inflected form of “slot” — assign a time slot
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CAMS AND ECCENTRICS More or less confusion arises from the terms _cams_ and _eccentrics_.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The object in all forms of cams is to change motion from a regular into an irregular, or reversely, and the motion may be accelerated or retarded at certain points, or inverted into an intermittent or reciprocating movement, dependent on the shape of the cam.
transmitsverbUS /trænzˈmɪts/
third-person singular of “transmit” — transfer to another
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
verticaladjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrtɪkəl/
at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
change directions as if revolving on a pivot
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
in or at the place that
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
wiper-wheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cam is a wheel which may be either regular in shape, like a _heart-wheel_, or irregular, like a _wiper-wheel_.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A cam may have its edge provided with teeth, which engage with the teeth of the engaging wheel, and thus impart, not only an irregular motion but also a turning movement, such forms being largely used to give a quickly rising or falling motion.
buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading A cam may be in the shape of a slotted or grooved plate, like the needle bar of a sewing machine, where a crank pin works in the slot, and this transmits an irregular vertical movement to the needle.
