Cam

Cam

(1): (n.) 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.

(2): (n.) A curved wedge, movable about an axis, used for forcing or clamping two pieces together.

(3): (n.) A ridge or mound of earth.

(4): (n.) 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.

(5): (a.) Crooked.