Tap

Part of speech: verb, noun

Pronunciation: /tæp/

Definitions

1. A device for controlling the flow of liquid or gas from a pipe; a light touch or strike made usually with a finger or instrument; to draw liquid by means of such a device or to make a light knocking sound
2. A spout or valve used to release fluids like water or beer; a gentle hit or pat typically given with fingers; the action of drawing fluid or producing a rhythmic knocking noise
3. An apparatus fitted to pipes to regulate discharge of liquids; a soft, light hit often repeated; to access or extract liquid from a container or to create a soft, rhythmic percussive sound

Etymology: The noun and verb both trace back to a Germanic root, and the verb's older lineage runs through a form meaning to knock or pat lightly. The most telling detail is that the verb has a sense from card play: to turn over a playing card or piece to show it has already been used in the round. That sense grew from the idea that the card's power had been drawn on until it was temporarily spent. The verb's origins are split between two possibilities. One is that it is imitative, formed to echo the sound of a light knock. The other is that it descends from a noun meaning a light blow or a plug, which the Germanic languages shared. Either way, the word began as a physical action, a quick contact with something, before it came to describe the small spout of liquid released when a vessel was opened.

Synonyms: touch, hit, strike

Antonyms: slap, smack