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Glite Dictionary
valvular incompetence

valvular incompetence

6.5
A valve in the heart or veins that cannot close properly and lets blood leak
  • noun
  • /ˈvælvjələr ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns/
  • Specialized
translation icon : incompetencia valvular
  • The patient was diagnosed with valvular incompetence in the mitral valve, resulting in blood leakage.

Examples

  • Chronic valvular incompetence can lead to heart failure if left untreated.

  • Patients with valvular incompetence often experience fatigue.

  • Doctors used an ultrasound to confirm the presence of valvular incompetence in the affected vein.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with valvular incompetence.

  • Chronic valvular incompetence can lead to heart failure if left untreated.

  • Doctors used an ultrasound to confirm the presence of valvular incompetence in the affected vein.

  • The patient was diagnosed with valvular incompetence in the mitral valve, resulting in blood leakage.

Surface Forms

valvular incompetence singular
valvular incompetences plural

Morphology

valvular + incompetence

The phrase is a straightforward composition of 'valvular' (relating to valves) and 'incompetence' (inability to function), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to a valve's inability to work properly. Although medical in register, the meaning is directly derivable from the parts and follows transparent combinatory logic common across languages.

Etymology

Valvular incompetence comes from the image of a valve that cannot close properly, like a door left open. If the valve does not shut, blood can 'leak' or flow the wrong way, so the phrase means 'a valve not able to close completely', causing abnormal blood flow.