A faucet is a device that controls the flow of water from a pipe, usually found over sinks, bathtubs, and outdoor hoses. When you turn the handle or knob on a faucet, you open a valve inside that lets water flow out. Turn it the other way, and the valve closes to stop the water.

Most faucets have separate controls for hot and cold water, letting you adjust the temperature by mixing the two. Some newer faucets have a single handle that controls both temperature and flow with one motion. The spout is the part where the water actually comes out.

In Britain and some other English-speaking countries, people call this device a tap instead of a faucet. Whether you call it a faucet or a tap, it's one of those inventions we use every day without thinking about how convenient it makes our lives.