[W/K] :: Cam

  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.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Cams are much used in machinery involving complicated,
           and irregular movements, as in the sewing machine, pin
           machine, etc.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A ridge or mound of earth. [Prov. Eng.] --Wright.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]

  Cam \Cam\, a. [See Kam.]
     Crooked. [Obs.]
     [1913 Webster]

  Cam
       n 1: a river in east central England that flows past Cambridge to
            join the Ouse River [syn: River Cam, Cam River]
       2: a rotating disk shaped to convert circular into linear
          motion

  CAM
       Common Access Method (SCSI)
       
       

  CAM
       Computer Aided Manufacturing
       
       

  CAM
       
          1.  content addressable memory.
       
          2.  computer aided manufacturing.
       
          (1999-09-17)