cam

A device that takes pictures or records video.

• Turn on your cam.
• My dash cam recorded the accident.
• The security cams captured someone entering the building.

Similar words: camera

Common phrases: dash cam, security cam, helmet cam

A shaped machine part that turns or slides to move another part pressed against it.

• The cam lifts the lever.
• A worn cam can affect the engine’s valves.
• The rod moves up and down as the cam turns.

Common phrases: rotating cam, cam profile, cam follower

A curved part that turns to press two pieces together or hold them firmly.

• Turn the cam to tighten the clamp.
• The curved cam holds both pieces firmly together.
• A damaged cam allowed the clamp to slip.

Common phrases: clamping cam, locking cam, cam clamp

An illegal copy of a film made by recording it with a camera inside a cinema.

• That download was only a cam.
• The cam had blurry images and muffled sound.
• Someone posted a cam of the film before its official online release.

Similar words: camrip

Common phrases: poor quality cam, cam copy, download a cam

To appear or talk online using a camera connected to a computer.

• Do you want to cam tonight?
• We cammed together after dinner.
• She was camming with a friend when the connection failed.

How to use it: cam with someone (I sometimes cam with friends who live abroad.)

Similar words: video chat

Common phrases: cam with someone, cam online