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 : faucet
2 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 thread
4 : an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made
5 : 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 tap
3 : on hand : available <services instantly on tap — Hugh Dwan>
4 : coming up <other matches on tap — H. W. Wind>