What does "cam" mean?

1. (camera) a short way to say camera, especially one used for the internet. 2. (mechanical part) a shaped piece of metal in a machine that turns and moves another part. 3. (to use a webcam) to use a webcam to talk to or show yourself to someone online.

cam

n. · v.

US //ˈkæm// UK //kˈæm// cam

1 camera (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

a short way to say camera, especially one used for the internet.

a clipping of 'camera', frequently used in the context of webcams or digital recording devices.

Example

He bought a high-quality cam so his followers could see him clearly during the stream.

Example

The security system utilizes a high-definition cam mounted above the entrance to monitor all incoming and outgoing traffic in real time.
- webcam
- camera
2 mechanical part (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Technical

a shaped piece of metal in a machine that turns and moves another part.

a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used to transform rotary motion into linear motion.

Example

The engine's cam pushes the valves open at exactly the right time.

Example

The engineer adjusted the profile of the cam to ensure the intake valves opened with greater precision during high-speed operation.
- lobe
- eccentric

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3 to use a webcam (v.)
C1 Advanced Informal Slang Computing

to use a webcam to talk to or show yourself to someone online.

to broadcast or communicate via a webcam, often in a live-streaming or chat-room context.

Example

They decided to cam for an hour since they hadn't seen each other in weeks.

Example

The performer began to cam nightly, building a dedicated audience through interactive live sessions and real-time requests.
- stream
- video chat