cam

/kæm/
noun
  1. A mechanical part that changes circular motion into back-and-forth or up-and-down motion, often used in engines and machines.
    • The cam in the engine controls the opening and closing of the valves.
    • The toy car's wheels are driven by a simple cam that makes it wobble.
    • He replaced the worn cam in the factory machine to restore smooth operation.
  2. Short for camera, especially a video camera or webcam.
    • She turned on her cam for the online meeting.
    • He bought a new cam to film his hiking adventures.
    • The security cam recorded the delivery at the front door.
  3. A ridge or projection on a wheel or shaft that operates a mechanism by sliding contact.
    • The cam on the bicycle gear shifts the chain smoothly.
    • The engineer designed a custom cam for the automated door opener.
    • In a music box, the cam plucks the metal teeth to produce notes.
verb
  1. To record or broadcast using a camera (informal).
    • She cams her cooking sessions every weekend.
    • He cams the entire concert from the front row.
    • They cam their road trip to share with friends online.
What does "cam" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean