Related Searches
Nearby Words
Synonyms

Valves

 Origin

valve

   [valv] ,noun, verb, valved, valv·ing.
noun
1.
any device for halting or controlling the flow of a liquid, gas, or other material through a passage, pipe, inlet, outlet, etc.
2.
a hinged lid or other movable part that closes or modifies the passage in such a device.
3.
Anatomy. a membranous fold or other structure that controls the flow of a fluid, as one that permits blood to flow in one direction only.
4.
(in musical wind instruments of the trumpet class) a device for changing the length of the air column to alter the pitch of a tone.
5.
Zoology.
a.
one of the two or more separable pieces composing certain shells.
b.
either half of the silicified shell of a diatom.
EXPAND
6.
Botany.
a.
one of the segments into which a capsule dehisces.
b.
a flap or lidlike part of certain anthers.
7.
Electronics (chiefly British). vacuum tube (def. 1).
8.
Archaic. one of the leaves of a double or folding door.
COLLAPSE
Electric Valve Actuators www.hanbayinc.com Automates most valves types. High accuracy positioning. Compact.
Ad
verb (used with object)
9.
to provide with a means of controlling the flow of liquid, gas, etc., by inserting a valve.

:10

:09

:08

:07

:06

:05

:04

:03

:02

:01

Valves is always a great word to know.
So is doohickey. Does it mean:
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
LEARN MORE UNUSUAL WORDS WITH WORD DYNAMO...
Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin valvae leaves of a door

Related forms
valve·less, adjective
valve·like, adjective
un·der·valve, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To Valves
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

valve
late 14c., "one of the halves of a folding door," from L. valva "section of a folding or revolving door," lit. "that which turns," related to volvere "to roll" (see vulva). Sense extended 1615 to "membranous fold regulating flow of bodily fluids;" 1659 to "mechanical device
EXPAND
that works like a valve;" and 1661 in zoology to "halves of a hinged shell."
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

valve (vālv)
n.

  1. A membranous structure in a hollow organ or passage, as in an artery or a vein, that folds or closes to prevent the return flow of the body fluid passing through it.

  2. 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. The movable control element of such a device.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Science Dictionary
valve   (vālv)  Pronunciation Key 

    1. Any of various mechanical devices that control the flow of liquids, gases, or loose material through pipes or channels by blocking and uncovering openings.

    2. The movable part or element of such a device.

  2. Any of various structures that prevent the backward flow of a body fluid, such as blood or lymph. Valves in the heart, veins, and lymphatic vessels contain flaps (known as cusps) that close in response to pressure created by the backflow of fluid.

  3. One of the paired hinged shells of certain mollusks, such as clams and oysters.

  4. See electron tube.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Partners:WordBloglinesCitysearchThe Daily BeastAsk AnswersAsk KidsLife123SendoriThesaurus
Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved.
About Privacy Policy Terms of Use API Careers Advertise with Us Contact Us Help
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature
FAVORITES
RECENT
How many words do you know? FIND OUT