avalvular
|a-val-vu-lar|
🇺🇸
/ˌeɪˈvælvjələr/
🇬🇧
/ˌeɪˈvælvjʊlə/
without valves
Etymology
'avalvular' originates from a modern scientific formation combining the Greek prefix 'a-' (meaning 'without') with Latin 'valvular' from 'valvula', where 'valvula' meant 'small valve'.
'valvula' (Latin) developed into 'valve' in Old French and Middle English; the adjective 'valvular' arose from Latin 'valvularis', and 'avalvular' was formed by adding the Greek prefix 'a-' to 'valvular' to denote absence of valves.
Initially the components meant 'without' + 'small valve'; over time the coined term has come to be used as a technical adjective meaning 'lacking valves'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lacking valves; used in medical or anatomical contexts to describe a structure that does not have valves.
The surgeon noted that the vessel was avalvular and required a different repair technique.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 16:48