check valve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical, Engineering, Industrial, Plumbing, Metaphorical/Systems jargon.
Quick answer
What does “check valve” mean?
A mechanical device that allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through it in only one direction, preventing reverse flow or backflow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mechanical device that allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through it in only one direction, preventing reverse flow or backflow.
A term used metaphorically in systems thinking, organizational management, or software design to describe any mechanism, rule, or control that ensures a process moves only in one intended direction, preventing undesirable reversal or feedback.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Non-return valve' is a more common British English synonym, while 'check valve' is slightly more dominant in American technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
In UK engineering/plumbing texts, 'non-return valve (NRV)' and 'check valve' are used almost interchangeably, with 'NRV' perhaps being more standard. In US contexts, 'check valve' is the unequivocally standard term.
Grammar
How to Use “check valve” in a Sentence
The [system/pump] requires a check valve to [prevent/avoid] [backflow/reversal].A check valve was installed [downstream of/upstream from] the [component].The [specifications] call for a check valve with a [cracking pressure].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “check valve” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The non-return valve, or check valve, is essential for pump safety.
- Ensure the check valve is fitted the correct way round, with the arrow pointing in the flow direction.
American English
- The building code requires a check valve on the sewer line to prevent backflow.
- We need to replace the old swing-type check valve with a more modern silent one.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in general business; used metaphorically in risk management or process design: 'The approval stage is a necessary check valve against poor investments.'
Academic
Common in engineering, fluid dynamics, mechanical design, and systems engineering papers.
Everyday
Uncommon; mostly in DIY, plumbing, or automotive repair contexts.
Technical
The primary register. Used in schematics, manuals, procurement documents, and technical discussions about piping, pumping, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “check valve”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “check valve”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “check valve”
- Using 'check valve' to mean a valve used for inspection or testing (that would be a 'test valve' or 'inspection port').
- Misspelling as 'cheque valve' (UK) due to homophone confusion.
- Using it as a verb, e.g., 'You need to check valve the system.' (Incorrect; must be 'install a check valve').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A stop/shut-off valve is used to manually completely block flow in a pipe. A check valve operates automatically to allow flow in only one direction.
No. Its sole purpose is directional control (preventing backflow), not flow regulation. A 'control valve' or 'regulating valve' is used for adjusting flow rate.
It is the minimum upstream pressure required to open the valve and allow flow to commence. It must be exceeded for the valve to function.
This is often called 'water hammer' and can be caused by rapid valve closure, insufficient spring force for the operating conditions, or reverse flow slamming the valve disc shut. It indicates a poorly sized, worn, or incorrectly installed valve.
A mechanical device that allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through it in only one direction, preventing reverse flow or backflow.
Check valve is usually technical, engineering, industrial, plumbing, metaphorical/systems jargon. in register.
Check valve: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek ˌvælv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃek ˌvælv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Act as a check valve on something (metaphorical): To serve as a control that prevents the reversal or negative feedback of a process, e.g., 'Strict regulations act as a check valve on risky financial practices.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a heart valve: it CHECKs that blood only flows forward, not backward. A check valve does the same for pipes.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GUARDIAN/GATEKEEPER OF DIRECTION. A ONE-WAY STREET for fluids/processes.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, what is the primary function of a 'check valve' in a business process?