Main Entry:

¹tap

Pronunciation:

\ˈtap\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English tappe, from Old English tæppa; akin to Old High German zapho tap

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: a plug for a hole (as in a cask) : spigot b: a device consisting of a spout and valve attached to the end of a pipe to control the flow of a fluid : faucet2 a: a liquor drawn through a tap b: the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity)3: a tool for forming an internal screw thread4: an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made5: wiretap

— on tap

1: ready to be drawn from a large container (as a cask or keg) <ale on tap>2: broached or furnished with a tap3: on hand : available <services instantly on tap — Hugh Dwan>4: coming up <other matches on tap — H. W. Wind>