valved
/vælvd/
Definition
Adjective 1. Having a valve or valves: Describes something that is equipped with one or more valves, which are devices that regulate the flow of a fluid (like gas or liquid) by opening, closing, or obstructing passages. 2. (Of brass instruments) Having valves: Specifically describes brass musical instruments (like trumpets or tubas) that use valves to change the pitch by altering the length of the tube the air travels through. 3. (Biology) Having a shell composed of parts or valves: Used in botany and zoology to describe structures, such as certain seed pods or mollusk shells, that are composed of separate sections or plates.
Usage Examples
- The plumber recommended replacing the old valved pipe fitting. (Having a valve or valves)
- Modern cornets are valved brass instruments, unlike the older keyed bugles. ((Of brass instruments) Having valves)
- The mussel has a valved shell that it can open and close. ((Biology) Having a shell composed of parts or valves)
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Engineering Context: Often used in technical specifications to describe components like valved connectors, valved manifolds, or valved exhaust systems, emphasizing the presence of a control mechanism.
- Biological Classification: Used as a descriptive term in taxonomy, e.g., "valved fruits" like those of the pea family, or "valved mollusks" like clams.
Variants and Related Words
- Valve (noun): The device or structure itself.
- The heart has four valves.
- Valveless (adjective): Lacking valves.
- Some traditional brass instruments are valveless.
- Bivalved (adjective): Having a shell consisting of two hinged valves (a specific type of "valved").
- Oysters are bivalved mollusks.
Synonyms
- Gated (in a general flow-control sense, but less common).
- Regulated (implies control, but not specifically by a valve).
- Sectioned or articulated (for the biological meaning of having parts).
Antonyms
- Valveless
- Unvalved
- Solid (for shells)
- Simple (for structure)
Adjective
-
(of brass instruments) having valves
