Glossary » tapping
tapping
an input technique, used especially with pen-based systems. A tap is a rapid touch then withdrawal from the surface. A screen is tapped with a pen or a touchpad is touched by a finger to indicate selection of an item or pressing of a button. A tap is distinctive from clicking a mouse button because the same movement is used not only to select but also to specify position, whereas clicking with a mouse is independent of the movement to indicate the position.
