noun
valve
VALV
noun
1
A device that controls or directs the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or opening.
"Turn the valve to shut off the water supply."
2
A flap-like structure in the body, such as in the heart, that allows fluid to flow in only one direction.
"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
Word Forms
valved past tense, valves plural, valves singular
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Turn the _____ to shut off the water supply.
Etymology
From Latin valva, "a fold or leaf of a door".