valve set

A technician adjusts the valve set in an old radio.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A collection of electron tubes: "valve set" refers to a radio receiver or other electronic device that uses vacuum tubes (valves) as its primary amplifying or rectifying components. This term is historically used in British English, especially for early radio equipment.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The antique shop sold a 1930s valve set that still worked perfectly. (A radio receiver using vacuum tubes.)
  • He spent his weekends restoring old valve sets from the golden age of radio. (Historical electronic devices with electron tubes.)

Advanced Usage

• "Valve set" is often used in the context of vintage electronics, distinguishing tube-based equipment from modern transistor or solid-state devices.
  • Collectors prize valve sets for their warm sound quality and historical significance. (Tube-based audio equipment is valued for its distinct tonal characteristics.)

Variants and Related Words

• Valve (n): a sealed tube containing a vacuum or gas, used to control electric current; synonymous with "vacuum tube" or "electron tube."

  • The amplifier uses four valves to boost the signal. (Four vacuum tubes are employed.)

• Set (n): a collection of items or devices that function together as a unit.

  • This is a complete television set, including the screen and receiver. (A full assembly of components.)

Synonyms

• Tube receiver: an alternative term for a radio that uses vacuum tubes.
• Vacuum-tube radio: a more technical synonym emphasizing the core component.

Related Idioms

• but the term "valve" appears in idioms like "blow a valve" (to lose control or fail, originating from mechanical or electronic failure).
  • The old engine blew a valve, causing a loud bang. (A sudden failure of a component.)