1. Control consisting of a mechanical device for controlling the flow of a fluid
   "He adjusted the valve to regulate the water pressure"
    
2. A structure in a hollow organ (like the heart) with a flap to insure one-way flow of fluid through it
   "The tricuspid valve prevents blood from flowing back into the right atrium"
    
3. Device in a brass wind instrument for varying the length of the air column to alter the pitch of a tone
   "The trumpet player skilfully manipulated the valves to change notes"
    
4. One of the paired hinged shells of certain molluscs and of brachiopods
   "The clam's valves snapped shut when disturbed"
    
5. The entire one-piece shell of a snail and certain other molluscs
   "The snail's valve was intricately patterned"

1. To control (flow) by means of a valve
   "They valved the water supply to regulate pressure"

Derived forms: valved, valving, valves

Type of: anatomical structure, bodily structure, body structure, complex body part, control, controller, device, shell, structure

Part of: brass, brass instrument, heart, pump, ticker [informal]

Encyclopedia: Valve, llc