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.
Related Words
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