valve
Valve (noun) means a device that controls or directs the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or opening. Example: “Turn the valve to shut off the water supply.”
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.
Word forms
valved past tense, valves plural, valves singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Turn the _____ to shut off the water supply.
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.
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