valve

valve

noun \ˈvalv\

Definition of VALVE

1

archaic : a leaf of a folding or double door

2

[New Latin valva, from Latin] : a bodily structure (as the mitral valve) that closes temporarily a passage or orifice or permits movement of fluid in one direction only

3

a : any of numerous mechanical devices by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material in bulk may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports or passageways; also : the movable part of such a device b : a device in a brass instrument for quickly channeling air flow through an added length of tube in order to change the fundamental tone by some definite interval c chiefly British : electron tube

4

[New Latin valva, from Latin] : one of the distinct usually hinged and movable pieces of which the shell of some shell-bearing animals (as lamellibranch mollusks, brachiopods, and barnacles) consists

5

[New Latin valva, from Latin] a : one of the segments or pieces into which a dehiscing capsule or legume separates b : the portion of various anthers (as of the barberry) resembling a lid c : one of the two encasing membranes of a diatom

— valved \ˈvalvd\ adjective

— valve·less \ˈvalv-ləs\ adjective

Examples of VALVE

1. They turned off the main water valve to the house.

Origin of VALVE

Latin valva; akin to Latin volvere to roll — more at voluble

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VALVE

Synonyms: cock, gate, spigot, stopcock, tap, faucet

Related Words: hydrant, spout; petcock

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Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with VALVE

salve