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valve

 
 
pronunciation:
vaelv
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: any device for controlling the flow of a fluid or gas, esp. a movable part that can close or constrict a passageway, such as a stopcock.
To increase the flow of water, he opened the valve.
 
similar words:
cock, tap
definition 2: an anatomical structure, such as a membranous flap, that controls the flow of a body fluid or keeps it flowing in only one direction.
the heart valves
similar words:
quality
definition 3: in musical instruments such as the trumpet, a finger-controlled plunger that can rapidly cut off or lengthen the air column through the instrument to change the pitch sounded.
definition 4: one of the two hinged halves of a bivalve mollusk or brachiopod shell.
She found one valve of a clam shell on the beach.
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part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: valves, valving, valved
definition: to insert or create a valve to control the flow of or in (a fluid or gas, or a passageway for fluid).
derivations: valveless (adj.), valvelike (adj.)
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  instrument, mollusk, tool, water