sleeve-valve

The mechanic inspects the sleeve-valve inside the engine.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of valve in an internal combustion engine: A "sleeve-valve" is a cylindrical or tubular valve that slides over or around a piston to control the intake and exhaust of gases, rather than using the more common poppet valve. It consists of a sleeve that moves up and down to open and close ports in the cylinder wall.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sleeve-valve design was once popular in early aircraft engines. (A specific type of engine valve using a sliding sleeve.)
  • Mechanics often find sleeve-valves harder to maintain than poppet valves. (The cylindrical valve mechanism is more complex to service.)

Advanced Usage

• "sleeve-valve engine": An engine that uses sleeve-valves instead of poppet valves.

  • The sleeve-valve engine was known for its quiet operation. (The engine type is characterized by its sliding valve system.)

• "sleeve-valve mechanism": The system of parts that operate the sleeve-valve.

  • The sleeve-valve mechanism requires precise lubrication. (The sliding assembly needs careful oiling.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sleeve (n): a tubular part that fits over another part.

  • The mechanic replaced the worn sleeve on the valve. (The cylindrical component of the valve assembly.)

• Valve (n): a device that controls the flow of a fluid or gas.

  • The engine has four valves per cylinder. (The general component for regulating flow.)

Synonyms

• Sliding valve: a valve that moves laterally or longitudinally to open and close ports.
• Tubular valve: a valve shaped like a tube.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms are associated with "sleeve-valve," as it is a technical term.)