valvule

9.9

A small part that controls the flow of liquid in a body or machine

noun
/ˈvælvjuːl/

Specialized

: valvulita

Each valvule in the vein helps prevent blood from flowing backward.

Examples

A heart murmur can be caused by a defective valvule inside the heart.
The valvule regulates blood flow in the heart.
The mechanic examined the tiny valvule in the fuel system to ensure it was working properly.
A valvule can be found in various biological structures.
Each valvule in the vein helps prevent blood from flowing backward.
A heart murmur can be caused by a defective valvule inside the heart.
The valvule regulates blood flow in the heart.

Synonyms

valvula

vsvalvule

Specialized

9.9

A small part in animals that opens and closes to control blood or air flow

is used more for small valves in human organs such as heart or vein

valvelet

vsvalvule

Specialized

9.8

A small part in a machine or body that opens and closes to control flow

is mainly for small valves in biological structures like heart or vein

How Big

heart valve

Specialized

2 3.5

valve

Specialized

153 4.1

valvula

Specialized

9.9

valvule

Specialized

9.9

Surface Forms

valvule singular

valvules plural

Morphology

valvule = valve (semi-transparent) = valve + ule

Formed from 'valve' + the diminutive suffix '-ule' so the sense 'small valve' is recoverable, but '-ule' is a learned/Latin suffix not fully productive for B1 learners.

Etymology

Valvule is a smaller form of valve, from the Latin valva meaning 'leaf' and the ending -ule meaning 'small'. So a valvule is literally a 'small valve', a tiny leaf that opens and closes to stop blood or fluid from flowing the wrong way.