noun
Common
valve
VALV
Valve (noun) means a device that controls or directs the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or opening. Example: “The plumber replaced the broken valve on the radiator pipe.”
noun
1
A device that controls or directs the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or opening.
"The plumber replaced the broken valve on the radiator pipe."
"Open the gas valve slowly and check that the cooker lights."
"Turn the valve to shut off the water supply."
"In nearly all internal combustion engines, the valves are of the poppet type."
"An oil refinery has an impressively vast number and variety of valves."
2
A flap-like structure in the body, such as in the heart, that allows fluid to flow in only one direction.
"The surgeon explained how the new valve would help his heart work properly."
"Each vein has a tiny valve that stops blood from flowing the wrong way."
"A faulty heart valve can cause blood to flow backwards."
How to use valve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that opens and closes to control the flow of liquid, gas, or blood in one direction.
Common pairings
heart valve
safety valve
shut-off valve
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like valve.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- valves
- Third person singular
- valves
- Past tense
- valved
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The plumber replaced the broken _____ on the radiator pipe.
Etymology
From Latin valva, "a fold or leaf of a door".
Related words
Rhymes for valve
See all rhymes for valve →Frequently asked questions
What does “valve” mean?
The word “valve” means a device that controls or directs the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or opening. In plain terms, something that opens and closes to control the flow of liquid, gas, or blood in one direction.
How do you pronounce “valve”?
“Valve” is pronounced VALV (/ˈvælv/ in IPA).
How do you use “valve” in a sentence?
Here is “valve” used in a sentence: “Turn the valve to shut off the water supply.”
What part of speech is “valve”?
“Valve” is a noun.
Where does the word “valve” come from?
The word “valve” comes from Latin. From Latin valva, "a fold or leaf of a door".
Is “valve” a common word?
“Valve” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “valve” have?
“Valve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device that controls or directs the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or opening.
What is the difference between a valve and a tap?
A valve is any device that controls or directs the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or opening, while a tap (or faucet) is a specific type of valve fitted at the end of a pipe to release water for use. Every tap contains a valve, but not every valve is a tap.
What is the difference between a valve and a pump?
A valve controls or directs flow by opening, closing, or restricting a passage, whereas a pump actively moves liquid or gas by adding pressure or energy. A valve regulates flow that is already moving; a pump creates the movement in the first place.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include valve:
