valve

Everyday

1. A valve is a part that opens and closes to control how a liquid or gas flows through a pipe or tube. tree →
2. In the body, the heart has valves that let blood flow only one way. tree →
3. On some brass instruments like the trumpet, valves are buttons that change the note. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, heart valves stop blood from flowing backwards; the «lub-dub» heartbeat sound is valves closing. In everyday life, a tyre or ball has a valve for pumping air in, and taps work like valves. Phrases: «heart valve», «tyre valve», «safety valve», «open the valve».

Examples

• The heart has four valves. tree →
• Push the pump onto the valve to blow up the ball. tree →
• A valve stops the blood from going backwards. tree →
• The plumber closed the valve to turn off the water. tree →
• The trumpet has three valves. tree →
• A safety valve lets out steam if the pressure gets too high. tree →

Note

Countable noun, plural valves. Spelt with -lve. In biology the heart has four valves. A «safety valve» can also mean a way to let out strong feelings safely.