Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun In general, a valve designed to control the flow of air. Specifically
- noun A valve placed upon a steam-boiler to admit air, and thus prevent the formation of a vacuum by the condensation of steam within when the boiler is cooling off, and the consequent tendency to collapse.
- noun A valve placed at bends and summits of water-pipes, etc., for the outflow of air, as when the pipes are being filled, and for the ingress of air to prevent the formation of a vacuum when the water is drawn out.
- noun In an engine-cylinder, and particularly on the locomotive engine, a valve which is held shut by steam-pressure when the throttle-valve is open, but which opens by a spring to admit atmospheric air when the throttle is closed and the pistons keep on moving from the momentum of the mass of engine and train.
Etymologies
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Examples
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The diver sat for a minute adjusting the air-valve by his ear; then he got up with an effort and walked two steps to the bulwarks.
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Then, with the bright copper dome of the helmet showing as a little disc upon the water, he paused and adjusted the air-valve, that bubbled with a little splutter of white foam.
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Unless the rising main is a long one, it will seldom be necessary to incorporate an air-valve and only in exceptional conditions should this be done for a short rising main.
1. Intake structures 1999
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You may set the air-valve fast or slow, and the torpedo will go accordingly.
Flag and Fleet How the British Navy Won the Freedom of the Seas William Charles Henry Wood 1905
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He stopped the engines, opened the air-valve, and the great ship instantly began to settle quietly down.
With Airship and Submarine A Tale of Adventure Harry Collingwood 1886
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This done the professor opened the main air-valve, gradually admitting a certain quantity of air into the ship's interior, and she at once began to drop once more earthward.
The Log of the Flying Fish A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and Adventure Harry Collingwood 1886
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The professor opened the air-valve and the ship at once began to settle down.
The Log of the Flying Fish A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and Adventure Harry Collingwood 1886
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Therewith he laid his hand upon a small wheel, and gave it two or three turns, thus partially opening the main air-valve and admitting a thin stream of air into the vacuum chambers of the _Flying Fish_, with the result that the huge craft at once began to settle down toward the surface of the sea, upon which, a few minutes later, she floated buoyantly as a soap-bubble.
With Airship and Submarine A Tale of Adventure Harry Collingwood 1886
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After all, if she acts up, you can just pull open her air-valve.
NY Daily News 2011
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After all, if she acts up, you can just pull open her air-valve.
NY Daily News 2011
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