tap¹ (tăp)

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[Middle English tappen, possibly from Old French taper.]

verb: tapped, tap·ping, taps. 

transitive verb 

1. To strike gently with a light blow or blows: I tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention.
2. To give a light rap with: tap a pencil.
3. To produce with a succession of light blows: tap out a rhythm.
4. To select, as for membership in an organization; designate. See synonyms at appoint
5. 1. To repair (shoe heels or toes) by applying a thin layer of leather or a substitute material.
   2. To attach metal plates to (shoe toes or heels).

intransitive verb 

1. To deliver a gentle, light blow or blows.
2. To walk making light clicks.

noun 

1. 1. A gentle blow.
   2. The sound made by such a blow.
2. 1. A thin layer of leather or a substitute applied to a worn-down shoe heel or toe.
   2. A metal plate attached to the toe or heel of a shoe, as for tap-dancing.
3. Linguistics See flap

tap² (tăp)

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[Middle English tappe, from Old English tæppa.]

noun 

1. A valve and spout used to regulate delivery of a fluid at the end of a pipe.
2. A plug for a bunghole; a spigot.
3. 1. Liquor drawn from a spigot.
   2. Liquor of a particular brew, cask, or quality.
4. Medicine The removal of fluid from a body cavity: a spinal tap.
5. A tool for cutting an internal screw thread.
6. A makeshift terminal in an electric circuit.
7. A wiretap.

transitive verb: tapped, tap·ping, taps. 

1. To furnish with a spigot or tap.
2. To pierce in order to draw off liquid: tap a maple tree.
3. To draw (liquid) from a vessel or container: tap a new keg of beer.
4. Medicine To withdraw fluid from (a body cavity).
5. To make a physical connection with or open outlets from: tap a water main.
6. 1. To wiretap (a telephone).
   2. To establish an electric connection in (a power line), as to divert current secretly.
7. To establish access to or a connection with: tapped a new market for inexpensive books.
8. To take advantage of; make use of: tapped voter anger to win the election.
9. To cut screw threads in (a collar, socket, or other fitting).
10. Informal To ask (a person) for money.

phrasal verbs

tap into

To establish a connection with; have access to: tapped into a new market for their products.

To take advantage of: tapped into their enthusiasm to improve the school.

idioms

on tap

Ready to be drawn; in a tapped cask: beer on tap. Available for immediate use; ready: extra personnel on tap.

flap (flăp)

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[Middle English flappe, slap.]

noun 

1. A flat, usually thin piece attached at only one side.
2. A projecting or hanging piece usually intended to double over and protect or cover: the flap of an envelope.
3. 1. The act of waving or fluttering: the flap of the flag in the wind.
   2. The sound produced by this motion.
4. A blow given with something flat; a slap.
5. A variable control surface on the trailing edge of an aircraft wing, used primarily to increase lift or drag.
6. Either of the folded ends of a book jacket that fit inside the front and back covers.
7. Medicine Tissue that has been partially detached and used in surgical grafting to fill an adjacent defect or cover the cut end of a bone after amputation.
8. Linguistics A sound articulated by a single, quick touch of the tongue against the teeth or alveolar ridge, as (t) in water. Also called tap¹
9. Informal A commotion or disturbance: a flap in Congress over the defense budget.

verb: flapped, flap·ping, flaps. 

transitive verb 

1. To wave (the arms, for example) up and down.
2. To cause to move or sway with a fluttering or waving motion.
3. To hit with something broad and flat; slap.
4. Informal To fling down; toss.

intransitive verb 

1. To move or sway while fixed at one edge or corner; flutter: banners flapping in the breeze.
2. To wave arms or wings up and down.
3. To fly by beating the air with the wings.
4. Informal To become upset or flustered.