noun
- a rotating shaft in an engine that operates the valves by means of cams
Usage: automotive; mechanical engineering
Examples
- The mechanic replaced the worn camshaft in the car’s engine.
- A broken camshaft can cause serious engine damage.
- The camshaft rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft.
- Modern engines often have dual overhead camshafts.
- The timing belt connects the crankshaft to the camshaft.
- Each cam on the camshaft controls a specific valve.