valve
nounverbcommon in dialogue
- //ˈvælv//
A device that controls the flow of a gas or fluid through a space, such as a pipe, manifold, or plenum.
noun
- 1
A device that controls the flow of a gas or fluid through a space, such as a pipe, manifold, or plenum.
open the valve
close the valve
shut off the valve
An oil refinery has an impressively vast number and variety of valves.
- 2
A device that controls the flow of a gas or fluid through a space, such as a pipe, manifold, or plenum. Such a device that admits fuel and air into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, or one that allows combustion gases to exit.
Near-synonym: poppet valve
In nearly all internal combustion engines, the valves are of the poppet type.
- 3
One or more membranous partitions, flaps, or folds, which permit the passage of the contents of a vessel or cavity in one direction, but stop or control the flow in the opposite direction.
the ileocecal valve
the atrioventricular valves
- 4
One of the leaves of a folding door or of a window sash.
- 5
A vacuum tube.
- 6
One of the pieces into which certain fruits naturally separate when they dehisce.
- 7
A small portion of certain anthers, which opens like a trapdoor to allow the pollen to escape, such as in the barberry.
- 8
One of the pieces or divisions of bivalve or multivalve shells.
- 9
One of the two similar portions of the shell of a diatom.
Etymology
From Middle English valve, from Latin valva (“double door, valve”). Doublet of valva.
verb
- 1
To control (flow) by means of a valve.
Forms
- plural
- valves
- past tense
- valved
- past participle
- valved
- present participle
- valving
- third person singular
- valves
valve · A device that controls the flow of a gas or fluid through a space, such as a pipe, manifold, or plenum.
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