valve
noun
\ ˈvalv
\
\
Definition of valve
1a
: 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
2
[ borrowed from Medieval Latin valva, going back to Latin ]
: a bodily structure (such as the mitral valve) that closes temporarily a passage or orifice or permits movement of fluid in one direction only
3
[ borrowed from New Latin valva, going back to Latin ]
: one of the distinct usually hinged and movable pieces of which the shell of some shell-bearing animals (such as lamellibranch mollusks, brachiopods, and barnacles) consists
4 [ borrowed from New Latin valva, going back to 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
5
archaic
: a leaf of a folding or double door
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Other Words from valve
valved
\ ˈvalvd
\
adjective
\
adjective
valveless
\ ˈvalv-ləs
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of valve in a Sentence
They turned off the main water valve to the house.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hydration vests for hiking For long endeavors out on the trail, this gender-specific vest offers up a two-liter bladder with a quick-release valve and a zippered pocket and kangaroo pocket. — Amanda Loudin, NBC News, "Exercise outdoors? These water bottles and hydration systems will go the distance," 31 July 2019 He's been an anchor and release valve for pressure when the club's tried to play out of the back. — Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati analysis: Goalkeeper Spencer Richey isn't to blame for the club's struggles," 22 July 2019 My heart was accumulating fluid in the heart valve. — Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, "The Latest Dreams of Barbara Hillary, the First African-American Woman to Travel to the North Pole," 26 July 2019 The Rolling Stones The World’s Greatest Rock ’N’ Roll Band (truly, are there any doubters left?), complete with the lead singer with the new heart valve. — Chris Kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "Things to do in Baltimore this week: Parades, fireworks, Cirque du Soleil and more," 30 June 2019 Jagger tweeted shortly after the heart valve replacement surgery. — Matt Mcnulty, PEOPLE.com, "Mick Jagger Makes Lively Stage Return After Heart Surgery as Rolling Stones Kick Off Tour," 22 June 2019 The band postponed the initial kick off date after Jagger underwent a heart valve replacement procedure in early April. — Christina Maxouris, CNN, "Mick Jagger skips and dances at Rolling Stones' tour opener following heart surgery," 22 June 2019 Palace officials said doctors on Saturday found Michiko has heart valve abnormalities and an irregular pulse after regular health checks last week showed an increase in cardiac hormones. — Fox News, "Japan's former empress has heart problem but fine to travel," 11 June 2019 In 1975, Bill’s wife Dot unexpectedly died at the age of 44 from complications after heart valve replacement surgery. — Sun-Sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 5/10," 10 May 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for valve
valve
noun
English Language Learners Definition of valve
: a mechanical device that controls the flow of liquid, gas, etc., by opening and closing
: a device in some musical instruments (such as trumpets) that you press to play different notes
medical
: a structure in the heart, stomach, etc., that temporarily stops the flow of fluid or that allows fluid to move in one direction only
See the full definition for valve in the English Language Learners Dictionary
valve
noun
\ ˈvalv
\
\
Kids Definition of valve
1
: a structure in the body that temporarily closes to prevent passage of material or allow movement of a fluid in one direction only
a heart valve
2
: a mechanical device by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material may be controlled by a movable part
3
: a device on a brass musical instrument that changes the pitch of the tone
4
: one of the separate pieces that make up the shell of some animals (as clams) and are often hinged
valve
noun
\ ˈvalv
\
\
Medical Definition of valve
1
: a bodily structure (as the mitral valve) that closes temporarily a passage or orifice or permits movement of fluid in one direction only
2
: any of various mechanical devices by which the flow of liquid (as blood) 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