ball valve

noun

, Machinery.

1. a valve controlling flow by means of a ball pierced with an opening in one direction and fixed to rotate on a spindle at right angles to the opening.
2. any valve that checks flow by the seating of a ball.

ball valve

noun

1. a one-way valve consisting of a metal ball with a cylindrical hole fitting into a concave seat over an opening

Word History and Origins

Origin of ball valve¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Should you have a full-pressure leak, you can cut the copper pipe, slide on an open ball valve and use a press tool to crimp the valve onto the copper tubing.

From Seattle Times

A Flowserve’s facility in Tennessee will supply Pfizer with more than 200 ball valves that can handle the cold temperature requirements needed to support the mass production of the vaccine, the company said.

From Reuters

But with sales down 50 percent or more, they’ve expanded into party rentals to make up the lost revenue - from ball valves to bounce houses.

From Washington Times

The device mimics the upper GI tract: an artificial stomach with a pressure pump, and a ball valve 'sphincter muscle,' leading up to the esophagus and throat.

From Scientific American

An overflow is provided, discharging into the open air to allow the water to escape should the ball valve become defective.

From Project Gutenberg