valves

• cocks
• faucets
• gates
• hydrants
• petcocks
• spigots
• spouts
• stopcocks
• taps

• noun
  1. A device that controls the flow of a gas or fluid through a pipe.
  2. A device that admits fuel and air into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, or one that allows combustion gases to exit.
  3. One or more membranous partitions, flaps, or folds, which permit the passage of the contents of a vessel or cavity in one direction, but stop or control the flow in the opposite direction.
  4. One of the leaves of a folding-door, or a window-sash.
  5. A vacuum tube.
  6. One of the pieces into which certain fruits naturally separate when they dehisce.
  7. A small portion of certain anthers, which opens like a trapdoor to allow the pollen to escape, such as in the barberry.
  8. One of the pieces or divisions of bivalve or multivalve shells.
  9. One of the two similar portions of the shell of a diatom.
• verb
  1. To control (flow) by means of a valve.

• The valves of the heart ensure proper circulation of blood throughout the body.
• Steam engines rely on valves to control the flow of steam and power the locomotive.
• The plumber replaced the old valves in the bathroom to fix the leaky faucet.
• The scuba diver checked the valves on their oxygen tank before descending into the water.
• The musician adjusted the valves on the trumpet to produce different notes and tones.

taps

gates

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