Definition of cam

• n. - 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.
• n. - A curved wedge, movable about an axis, used for forcing or clamping two pieces together.
• n. - A projecting part of a wheel or other moving piece so shaped as to give alternate or variable motion to another piece against which it acts.
• n. - A ridge or mound of earth.
• a. - Crooked.
• n. - 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.
• n. - A curved wedge, movable about an axis, used for forcing or clamping two pieces together.
• n. - A projecting part of a wheel or other moving piece so shaped as to give alternate or variable motion to another piece against which it acts.
• n. - A ridge or mound of earth.
• a. - Crooked.