Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Cam
1.
(Med.)
(a)
A turning or sliding piece which, by the shape of its periphery or face, or a groove in its surface, imparts variable or intermittent motion to, or receives such motion from, a rod, lever, or block brought into sliding or rolling contact with it.
(b)
A curved wedge, movable about an axis, used for forcing or clamping two pieces together.
(c)
A projecting part of a wheel or other moving piece so shaped as to give alternate or variable motion to another piece against which it acts.
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Cams
are much used in machinery involving complicated, and irregular movements, as in the sewing machine, pin machine, etc. 2.
A ridge or mound of earth.
[Prov. Eng.]
Wright.
Cam wheel
(Mach.)
, a wheel with one or more projections (cams) or depressions upon its periphery or upon its face; one which is set or shaped eccentrically, so that its revolutions impart a varied, reciprocating, or intermittent motion.
