First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
valve
noun \ˈvalv\
: a mechanical device that controls the flow of liquid, gas, etc., by opening and closing
: a device in some musical instruments (such as trumpets) that you press to play different notes
medical : a structure in the heart, stomach, etc., that temporarily stops the flow of fluid or that allows fluid to move in one direction only
Full Definition of VALVE
1
archaic : a leaf of a folding or double door
2
[New Latin valva, from Latin] : a bodily structure (as the mitral valve) that closes temporarily a passage or orifice or permits movement of fluid in one direction only
3
a : any of numerous mechanical devices by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material in bulk may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports or passageways; also : the movable part of such a device b : a device in a brass instrument for quickly channeling air flow through an added length of tube in order to change the fundamental tone by some definite interval c chiefly British : electron tube
4
[New Latin valva, from Latin] : one of the distinct usually hinged and movable pieces of which the shell of some shell-bearing animals (as lamellibranch mollusks, brachiopods, and barnacles) consists
5
[New Latin valva, from Latin] a : one of the segments or pieces into which a dehiscing capsule or legume separates b : the portion of various anthers (as of the barberry) resembling a lid c : one of the two encasing membranes of a diatom
— valved \ˈvalvd\ adjective
— valve·less \ˈvalv-ləs\ adjective
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Origin of VALVE
Latin valva; akin to Latin volvere to roll — more at voluble
Other Anatomy Terms
Rhymes with VALVE
VALVE Defined for Kids
valve
noun \ˈvalv\
Definition of VALVE for Kids
1
: a structure in the body that temporarily closes to prevent passage of material or allow movement of a fluid in one direction only <a heart valve>
2
: a mechanical device by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material may be controlled by a movable part
3
: a device on a brass musical instrument that changes the pitch of the tone
4
: one of the separate pieces that make up the shell of some animals (as clams) and are often hinged
Medical Dictionary
valve
noun \ˈvalv\
Medical Definition of VALVE
1
: a bodily structure (as the mitral valve) that closes temporarily a passage or orifice or permits movement of fluid in one direction only
2
: any of various mechanical devices by which the flow of liquid (as blood) may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports or passageways; also : the movable part of such a device
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