valve

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“
In some cases this valve is a sluice valve, but the hot well is then almost sure to be split, if the engine be set on without the valve having been opened.

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Definitions (127)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (13)

  1. noun Anatomy A membranous structure in a hollow organ or passage, as in an artery or vein, that folds or closes to prevent the return flow of the body fluid passing through it.
  2. noun Any of various devices that regulate the flow of gases, liquids, or loose materials through piping or through apertures by opening, closing, or obstructing ports or passageways.
  3. noun The movable control element of such a device.
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Examples (50)

  • Feeding the valve is a set of male threaded adapter and end cap, but this time fitted with a 5 / 8 inch paintball regulator. —  PaulDotCom
  • Our section argued that a valve was a mechanical device so had to be taken care of by the mechanics.
  • But his love had had no such safety-valve, and was now, therefore, bubbling and boiling within his heart in a manner very subversive of legal accuracy and injurious to legal studies It was absolutely necessary, he said to himself, that he should know on what ground he stood; absolutely necessary, also, that he should be able to talk to some one on the subject. —  The Bertrams
  • The main vapour-valve was then cautiously opened, and a partial vacuum produced, when, as easily as a sea-bird, the Flying Fish rose at once into the air. —  The Log of the Flying Fish A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and Adventure
  • 'Upon the side of the valve is an inverted syphon, with a bulb at one end, the other being open; the lower part of the tube contains mercury; the bulb, atmospheric air. —  Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 430 Volume 17, New Series, March 27, 1852
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Middle English, leaf of a door, from Latin valva; see wel-2 in Indo-European roots.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from French valve = Spanish Portuguese Italian valva, from Latin valva, the leaf of a double door, plural valvæ, folding doors, New Latin a valve.
 

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/vælv/
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