tap

Everyday

1. A tap (UK) is a thing you turn to let water come out (US: faucet). tree →
2. To tap means to touch something lightly and quickly. tree →
3. A tap is a light knock: a tap on the door. tree →
4. To tap a screen is to touch it to choose something. tree →
5. Tap dancing is dancing with metal plates on your shoes. tree →
6. Tap water is water from the tap. tree →

In the lessons

Maths: a water tap filling or dripping at a rate (liters per minute): amount = rate × time; time = amount ÷ rate. Environment: turn off the tap while you brush your teeth to save water. Everyday: tap the screen, tap someone on the shoulder, on tap (ready to use).

Examples

• The tap fills 5 liters each minute. tree →
• A leaking tap drips 2 drops per second. tree →
• The bath fills in 10 minutes with the tap on. tree →
• She tapped the drum 3 times. tree →
• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth. tree →
• Tap the icon to open the game. tree →
• Someone tapped me on the shoulder. tree →
• Is the tap water safe to drink here? tree →
• He knocked at the door--tap, tap. tree →

Note

Countable noun; verb doubles the p: tapped, tapping. Usually a rate of flow: amount = rate × time; time = amount ÷ rate. Trap: with two taps filling one bath, add their rates. Tap (UK) = faucet (US).