Valve
Definition
A mechanical device that regulates, directs, or controls the flow of a fluid, gas, or vapor by opening, closing, or obstructing its passageway.
A membranous structure in a hollow organ or passage, such as the heart or veins, that folds or closes to prevent backward flow of a fluid.
A device on a brass wind instrument, such as a trumpet, that changes the pitch by altering the length of the air column.
One of the separable pieces of a mollusk shell or similar structure.
Examples
The rusty valve in the old pipe finally gave up, turning the kitchen into a surprise splash zone.
Heart surgeons take extra care with the aortic valve, because nobody wants their ticker throwing a tantrum mid-beat.
The trumpet player fumbled the valve during the solo, hitting a note that cleared the room faster than a fire alarm.
Gamers worldwide pray nightly to the Valve gods, hoping Half-Life 3 isn't just another mythic artifact.