clack valve
- noun
- Specialized
- The old pump was fitted with a clack valve to prevent backflow.
Examples
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Engineers checked the clack valve to ensure it was not stuck open.
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The noisy clack valve signaled that water was flowing successfully.
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The clack valve prevents backflow in the system.
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You should check the clack valve regularly.
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The old pump was fitted with a clack valve to ensure fluid only flows in one direction.
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Engineers checked the clack valve to confirm it was allowing water to flow properly.
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The noisy clack valve indicated that the liquid was moving through the pipe as intended.
Synonyms
A small part in a pipe that lets water flow only one way
A simple device with a hinged flap that lets liquid flow in one direction and stops it flowing back
Surface Forms
Morphology
The headword is a straightforward noun–noun compound where the first element names a specific type of valve and the second element names the general device; if a learner knows 'clack' as a small hinged one-way valve and 'valve' as a flow-control device, the combined meaning is directly predictable. This kind of taxonomic composition (X valve = a valve of type X) is cross-linguistically common and easily understood by learners who know both constituents.
Etymology
The name clack valve comes from the loud clack the valve makes when it shuts after letting water through. That quick 'clack' shows it closes to stop water going back, so the name helps you remember it only lets water go in 'one direction'.