Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical component within an ignition distributor: The "distributor cam" is a rotating camshaft or lobe assembly located inside a traditional automotive distributor. Its primary function is to sequentially open and close electrical contact points, or trigger a signal in electronic systems, to direct high-voltage electricity to each spark plug in the correct firing order for the engine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mechanic replaced the worn distributor cam to restore proper engine timing.
  • A faulty distributor cam can cause the engine to misfire because the spark plugs won't fire in sequence.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In detailed automotive engineering, the "distributor cam" is integral to the breaker-point ignition system. Its rotation, synchronized with the engine crankshaft, precisely controls the moment of ignition for each cylinder.

Variants and Related Words

• Distributor (n): The assembly housing the distributor cam, rotor, cap, and (in older systems) contact points, responsible for routing high voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.
• Breaker Cam (n): An alternative term sometimes used interchangeably with "distributor cam," especially in points-based ignition systems.
• Ignition Cam (n): A less common synonym emphasizing its role in the ignition process.

Synonyms

• Ignition cam
• Breaker cam

Notes on Meaning

• This is a specific compound noun from automotive mechanical engineering. The core target word is "cam," a projecting part on a rotating shaft that imparts motion to a follower. In this compound, "distributor" specifies the cam's location and function within the vehicle's ignition system. It is not used in abstract or figurative contexts.

Noun

1. the cam inside the distributor that rotates to contact spark plug terminals in the correct order