Main Entry: ²tap

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): tapped; tap·ping

Date: 15th century

1 : to let out or cause to flow by piercing or by drawing a plug from the containing vessel <tap wine from a cask>
2 a : to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid <tap maple trees> b : to draw out, from, or upon <tap new sources of revenue> <the story taps powerful emotions>
3 : to cut in on (as a telephone or radio signal) to get information
4 : to form an internal screw thread in by means of a tap
5 : to get money from as a loan or gift
6 : to connect (a street gas or water main) with a local supply

— tap·per noun

— tap into : to make a strong or advantageous connection with <trying to tap into a new market>