needle valve

American  

noun

Machinery.

1. a valve with a needlelike part, a fine adjustment, or a small opening, especially a valve in which the opening is controlled by a needlelike or conical point that fits into a conical seat.

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needle valve British  

noun

1. a valve containing a tapered rod that can be moved in or out to control the flow of a fluid

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Etymology

Origin of needle valve

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

For a while they spoke of the difficulties Gay must be having getting a needle valve and then gradually as the time passed they didn’t mention him any more.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck

There is a needle valve, and the point must be on the needle and must sit in its hole or the carburetor does not work.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck

One of these consists of a needle valve to regulate the amount of gasoline, the other is a knurled screw which controls the amount of air by limiting the lift of the jump valve.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

The rough tossing about the Flying Fish had received had jammed the needle valve, but that was all.

From The Boy Scouts of the Eagle Patrol by Goldfrap, John Henry

No explosion followed, the needle valve controlling the powerful vapor perfectly.

From Tom Swift and His Airship by Appleton, Victor [pseud.]