butterfly valve

noun

1
: a valve consisting of two semicircular clappers hinged to a cross rib that permits fluid flow in only one direction
2
: a damper or valve in a pipe consisting of a disk turning on a bisecting axis

Examples of butterfly valve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The pipe typically features a butterfly valve—which is designed to regulate the flow of liquids or air—that has a rotating disk set on an axis. Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, 1 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of butterfly valve was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near butterfly valve

Cite this Entry

“Butterfly valve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/butterfly%20valve. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on butterfly valve

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!