VALVELESS Meaning and
Definition
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Valveless is an adjective referring to the absence or lack of valves. A valve, in scientific or engineering terms, is a device or mechanism that controls the flow or direction of a fluid or gas by opening and closing passages or channels. It is commonly found in various systems, such as piping, plumbing, and machinery, to regulate the movement or control the pressure of liquids or gases.
When something is described as valveless, it means it is devoid of such valves or any mechanism that can regulate fluid or gas flow. This trait often implies a simpler design or structure, as valveless systems might not require the additional complexity of valves to perform their intended function.
The term is particularly relevant in describing certain natural or biological systems, such as certain anatomical structures or organisms, which do not possess valves. For example, some animals and insects, like certain worms or some species of bugs, lack valves in their circulatory or respiratory systems. Similarly, valveless veins or vessels in medical or anatomical contexts refer to blood vessels that lack the typical valves found in veins, primarily responsible for the one-way flow of blood.
In engineering or mechanical fields, the term valveless can also apply to specific designs or technologies that employ alternative methods to achieve similar results without using traditional valves. Valveless engines or pumps, for instance, use different principles, such as backflow prevention or fluid inertia, to manage fluid or gas flow without requiring conventional valves.
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Without valves, noting certain veins, such as the portal, which are not provided with valves as are most of the veins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VALVELESS
Etymology of VALVELESS
The word "valveless" is derived from the combination of the noun "valve" and the suffix "-less".
The noun "valve" originated from the Latin word "valva", meaning "leaf or folding door". It referred to a device that controls the flow of gases, liquids, or other substances by opening and closing passages or channels.
The suffix "-less" is derived from Old English "-lēas", which means "without". It is commonly used to form adjectives indicating the absence or lack of something.
Therefore, the word "valveless" combines these two elements, suggesting the absence or lack of valves.
Similar spelling words for VALVELESS
