Cam (?), n. [Dan. kam comb, ridge; or cf. W. Gael., and Ir., cam bet. See 1st Come.]
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 its acts.
⇒ 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.
[Prow. 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.
© Webster 1913.
Cam (?), a. [See Kam.]
Crooked.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.