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1. A structure in a hollow organ (like the heart) with a flap to insure one-way flow of fluid through it
    
2. Device in a brass wind instrument for varying the length of the air column to alter the pitch of a tone
    
3. Control consisting of a mechanical device for controlling the flow of a fluid
    
4. The entire one-piece shell of a snail and certain other molluscs
    
5. One of the paired hinged shells of certain molluscs and of brachiopods

Derived forms: valves

See also: valved, valvelet, valvular

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

Part of: brass, brass instrument, heart, pump, ticker

Encyclopedia: Valve Valve, LLC