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válvula

valve

noun BAHL-boo-lah Rare

Origin: From Latin 'valvula', diminutive of 'valva' (leaf of a door or shell).

Usage Note

Válvula covers mechanical, biological, and electronic valves. In cardiology, las válvulas del corazón regulate blood flow; in engineering, a válvula de seguridad is a safety relief valve. The phrase válvula de escape has taken on a figurative meaning of 'outlet' or 'pressure release' — as in a hobby that serves as an emotional safety valve.

Examples

"El médico detectó un problema en una válvula cardíaca."

Natural Translation

The doctor detected a problem in a heart valve.

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