Definition of "camshaft" []

• An engine shaft fitted with a cam or cams. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Extending immediately below the camshaft is another vertical shaft, driven by bevel gears from the crank-shaft, and terminating in a worm which drives the multiple piston oil pumps."
• "For maximum power, the solenoid valve is always closed and full valve opening is achieved following completely the mechanical camshaft, which is specifically designed to maximise power at high engine speed (long opening time)."
• "The overhead valves (one intake and one exhaust for each cylinder) are operated by pushrods and rockers from the camshaft, which is mounted in four bearings in the crankcase."