stop-valve

The plumber uses a wrench to tighten the stop-valve on the copper pipe.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A valve that controls the flow of a fluid: A "stop-valve" is a mechanical device used in a pipe or conduit to regulate or completely halt the flow of a liquid or gas, typically by opening or closing a passage. It is commonly found in plumbing, industrial systems, or engines.

Usage Examples

• (A valve used to stop the flow of water in a pipe.)
• (A valve that halts the flow of gas.)

Advanced Usage

• "to close a stop-valve": to turn or operate the valve to stop the flow.

  • The engineer closed the stop-valve to isolate the damaged section of the pipeline. (He shut the valve to stop fluid movement.)

• "stop-valve position": the state of the valve (open or closed) in a system.

  • Check the stop-valve position before starting the pump. (Verify whether the valve is open or shut.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stopcock (n): a type of stop-valve with a tapered plug, often used for smaller pipes.

  • The laboratory sink has a stopcock for controlling water flow. (A small valve similar to a stop-valve.)

• Valve (n): a broader term for any device that controls flow; a stop-valve is a specific type.

  • A valve can be used for regulation, but a stop-valve is designed primarily for shutting off flow.

Synonyms

• Shut-off valve: a valve used to completely stop flow.
• Isolation valve: a valve that isolates a section of a system.
• Cutoff valve: a valve that cuts off the supply of fluid.

Related Idioms

• "Turn off the tap": a figurative idiom meaning to stop something, though not directly related to stop-valve; it uses the concept of stopping flow.
  • The manager decided to turn off the tap on unnecessary spending. (Stop the flow of money.)