Cam \Cam\ (k[a^]m), n. [Dan. kam comb, ridge; or cf. W., Gael.,
and Ir., cam bent. See 1st Comb.]
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 it acts.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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