Meaning & use
Lapping
Last updated
The action of small waves or liquid moving gently and repeatedly against a surface, often with a soft sound.
See it in a sentence
They fell asleep to the sound of waves lapping against the hull.
The dog was lapping water noisily from its bowl.
A note on using this word
In manufacturing, lapping also refers to a precision finishing process in which two surfaces are rubbed together with an abrasive to achieve an extremely smooth, flat finish.
Words with a similar meaning
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Another way to use it
2. noun
A precision finishing process in which surfaces are rubbed with an abrasive to produce an extremely smooth, accurate finish.
The engineers used lapping to achieve the tight tolerances required for the engine's pistons.
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