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

archaic : a leaf of a folding or double door

[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

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

[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

[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

See valve defined for English-language learners

See valve defined for kids

Origin of VALVE

Latin valva; akin to Latin volvere to roll — more at voluble

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VALVE

Synonyms: cock, gate, spigot, stopcock, tap, faucet

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with VALVE

salve

VALVED Defined for Kids

valve

noun \ˈvalv\

Definition of VALVE for Kids

: 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>

: a mechanical device by which the flow of liquid, gas, or loose material may be controlled by a movable part

: a device on a brass musical instrument that changes the pitch of the tone

: 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

: a bodily structure (as the mitral valve) that closes temporarily a passage or orifice or permits movement of fluid in one direction only

: 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